Geography of China

Words like highest, largest, and longest come to mind when talking about
China’s geography. The world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas, are in China.
So is one of the world’s largest deserts, the Taklimakan Desert. Besides, China
also home of some of the longest rivers in the world. The Tremendous area of 9.6
million km2 makes it world’s third largest by area and second in Asia.

China’s climate is just as extreme as its physical features. The southwestern part
of Outer China is dominated by the high Tibet-Qinghai Plateau, so-called Tibetan
Plateau. This area is often called the “Roof of the World.” Most interestingly,
two of China’s major rivers like the Huang He (aka Yellow River) and the Chang
Jiang (aka Yangtze River) begin in this region.

Apart from this, Taklimakan and Gobi deserts are famous deserts in China.
Wherein, the Taklimakan Desert is considered as one of the most dangerous
deserts in the world. In fact, its name means “once you go in, you will not come out.”

Moreover, the Northeastern Plain is an area of great contrasts in its climate. The
Liao (or lyow) and the Sungari are its beautiful rivers. Thanks to its variety of
climate, in ancient China this plain was used by several groups of invaders as a
route to 'Inner China'.

However, 'Inner China' is the North China Plain, which flat region of grassland.
This region is often called the “Land of the Yellow Earth” because the ground is
covered by yellow limestone silt. It is the reason that the 'Huang He' River is
called ‘Yellow River’. It is one of the longest rivers in the world, which had
remained deadliest river because it caused many floods and loss of habitats
across its banks.

The Chang Jiang Basins are areas of low, wet coastal plains. The basins are
located along the river called the Chang Jiang. It has hundreds of tributaries.
People use the river to move goods between eastern and western areas of the
region. The basins were very good for growing rice, which needs abundant
warmth and moisture.

Needless to say, thanks to fabulous geography and diverse climate, China has
remained a cradle of civilization. Thus, it has been region of great geopolitical and
economic significance in the world.