The Yellow River

The Yellow River is the second longest river in China. It is about 3,400 miles long. The river gets its name from the yellowish color of its water. This color comes from the fine yellow dirt it picks up as it flows.

The Cradle of China

The Yellow River is often called the cradle of Chinese civilization. People built some of the first Chinese cities and farms along its banks thousands of years ago. The soil near the river is very good for growing crops like wheat and rice. Many important Chinese rulers lived near the river. Today, millions of people still live close to it.

Floods and Farming

The Yellow River can be dangerous because it floods often. Long ago, big floods sometimes destroyed whole towns. People built walls called dikes to try to hold back the water. The river helps farmers grow food, but it can also wash crops away. Chinese engineers have worked hard to control the river for centuries.

Fun Facts

• The Yellow River is called 'Huang He' in Chinese.
• It starts in the mountains of western China and flows to the Bohai Sea.
• The yellow dirt in the river is called loess and comes from giant dust storms long ago.

Did You Know?

The Yellow River has been nicknamed 'China's Sorrow' because its floods have caused so much trouble through history.