Yellow River Civilization

The great amount of archeological information available about ancient Chinese civilization tells us that their ways of life were greatly influenced by the Yellow and Yangtze River civilizations. The Yellow River, in particular, was essential to the development of Chinese civilization.

In Chinese history, and in the history of human civilization, the Yellow River is not simply a set of characters on a page and the name of a river. In fact, it stands for a kind of culture and civilization. Undoubtedly, the Yellow River civilization has played a very great role in the development of civilization across the globe.

For thousands of years, the river has been known as the mother river of the Chinese nation, both in the writings of the poets and scribes, and in the hearts of the Chinese people. Almost all the Chinese see themselves as the children of Yellow River. It is said that Egypt is the gift vouchsafed by the Nile. If there were no Nile, then it is hard to see how there could be an Egyptian civilization. The Yellow River has the same relationship with China. If China had no Yellow River, the Chinese wouldn't have a place to focus their spiritual energies on.

Yellow River drainage basin is the birthplace of Chinese nation and meanwhile it is the cradle of Chinese civilization. In this vast cradle, Yellow River civilization, which is the principal part of the whole Chinese civilization and plays a crucial role in the history of civilization development, grew with vitality. It had stood the test of almost all kinds of upheavals and difficulties, and finally created the continuous Chinese civilization.

From the Xia (21st-16th century BC) and Shang (16th-11th century BC) Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Yellow River area was always the center of politics, economy and culture. In addition, in terms of science and technology, this area is in the leading position at all times. There are many ingredients of Yellow River civilization, such as potteries, silks, bronze, characters, and so on. Commonly, it came into being between the year 4,000 BC and 2,000 BC, which covered over 2,000 years long. During this period of time, a group of regional civilizations were booming. But unfortunately in later time, some of them intermitted; some went to the low tide. Only Yellow River civilization assimilated the essences of other regional civilization and developed itself into a higher level. The phase of the development of Yellow River civilization was also a period for its sublimation. And the epoch of the prosperity of this civilization was the historical moment when China stepped into the feudal empire civilization.

The overwhelming Yellow River is the symbol of Chinese nation. From the towering Kunlun Mountain to the immense Pacific Ocean, it passes through the grasslands, getting over the deserts, splitting the Loess Plateau and moistening the land. It is this melting pot of hundreds of rivers that gestates brilliant Chinese culture, cleansing the capacious bosoms of the Chinese people and nurturing the largest nation in the world---the Chinese nation.

And again, to some extent, this river is also the symbol of the spirit of the Chinese people: grittiness, industriousness and assiduity. It is a bridge connecting the whole land of China, linking the Chinese history and joining all the Chinese people all over the world with their motherland: China.
- Last updated on Feb. 20, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Yellow River Civilization
Asked by Fiona from USA | Feb. 20, 2024 11:13Reply
Why is the Yellow River a part of Chinese nation
Answers (1)
Answered by Dorothy | Feb. 20, 2024 18:21
00Reply


The Yellow River basin is the birthplace of the Chinese nation and the settlement place of the Huaxia nationality in ancient times.

The Yellow River was originally called the "river", and later it was called the Yellow River because of soil erosion and turbidness.
Asked by Jeff from AREA-51 | Aug. 27, 2019 16:58Reply
Significance of the Yellow River
the significance of the Yellow River to irrigation and the impact of features such as the Himalayas on contacts with other societies, including trade
Answers (1)
Answered by Hans from USA | Aug. 29, 2019 00:33
00Reply


The Yellow River is rich in water energy resources, which provides abundant water energy for the industrial and agricultural development in the upper and middle reaches of the River. It flows through arid, semi-arid areas, most of which are under-precipitation, and the Yellow River provides them with abundant irrigation water sources.
Asked by Aussie Queen from AUSTRALIA | Nov. 07, 2016 17:19Reply
How did the yellow river influence the civilizations that developed there?
Answers (2)
Answered by Kathleen from CANADA | Nov. 07, 2016 19:10
2422Reply


It is regarded the mother river of Chinese for their ancestors used to live and cultivate there. The flowing water irrigated the farmland, so there would always be good harvest. Besides, during fedural society, the economy center of the country was concentrated there, so regions along the river were generally prosperous.
Answered by Claire from USA | Nov. 30, 2016 14:04
1612Reply


Adding to the earlier response it nurtured the civilization from the silt which was produced by floods from the yellow river.
Asked by Mr.Prince from EARTH | Nov. 03, 2016 05:54Reply
What resources did the Yellow River provide?
Answers (1)
Answered by Susan from FINLAND | Nov. 03, 2016 20:02
1124Reply


It mainly provides water resource and the water power is the major electricity resource. Besides, some parts of the river has been developed into sightseeing sites, so it is also a tourism resource.
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