The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, holds a revered place in the history and culture of China. As the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, the Yangtze has been a crucial lifeline for the people of China for millennia. Its origins can be traced back to the Tibetan Plateau, where it emerges as a small stream before winding its way for over 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles) across the heart of the country, eventually emptying into the East China Sea. The Yangtze River has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Chinese civilization. Since ancient times, the river has served as a vital transportation…