Yangtze Culture

No one can afford to underestimate the importance of the Yangtze River in China. It has made such a great contribution to the evolution of Chinese civilization. It will long continue to serve the needs of Chinese people. Nothing could replace the inherent relationship that exists between the Yangtze River and Chinese culture.

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Historical Relics 

There were Wushan Man living in the Three Gorges region 2,000,000 years ago and Yuanmou Man in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in ancient times. Many ancient ruins record the history and civilization of Yangtze River.

Ba & Shu Culture
The Ba & Shu Culture originated at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It is one of the most influential culture forms in China. Even today, Sichuan and Chongqing people believe that they are the descendents of Ba & Shu people. 

Ancient Ruins
As the mother river of the Chinese, Yangtze River has given birth to many splendid civilizations. Cultural sites of Daxi, Hemudu, and Liangzhu were all discovered along the river. The primitive human beings Wushan Man and Yuanmou Man were also unearthed here.

Ancient Plank Road
In the mountains area along the river, especially the Three Gorges area, rapids, dangerous shoals and reefs made it hard to navigation for ships, so plank roads were cut on cliffs. Some sites of ancient plank road can still be found in the Yangtze River areas. 

Hanging Coffins
During ancient times, some people believed that hanging their coffins in high places made them close to sky after their death, so there put coffins in the caves on high and steep cliffs in stead of buried underground. Such hanging coffins were discovered in Three Gorges area. A coffins can still be seen hanging in a cave on the mountain of Shennong Stream.

Yangtze Water Control
Since ancient times, the wise Chinese people built water control system on the Yangtze River to help navigation, irrigation and flood controlling; and Dujiangyan Irrigation System was an excellent representitive. In addition, the Ling Canal and the Grand Canal of China were also great water control project in ancient China.

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Customs

The Yangtze generates a variety of customs found in the cities and counties along the river, demonstrating the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Diet and Cuisines
Due to the differences on geographic and natural condition, people live along the Yangtze River have different eatting habits. Sichuan and Chongqing people prefer spicy and hot food while  people in Hunan love sour and spicy food; Shanghai and Jiangsu people, also live along the river, like to eat sweet  food.
 
Folklore Collection
Legends and folklore are part of Yangtze culture. The beautiful stories make the river more attractive and enchanting; even an anonymous hill or a cold rock would be more lovely. 

Minorities Distribution
China has 56 nationalities and 55 are minority groups. Many minority groups live along the Yangtze River, such as the Tibetan, Naxi, Bai, Yi, Miao and Tujia nationalities. Thesegroups mostly distribute in Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou and Hunan Provinces. 

Residential Houses
Different natural condition make the residential houses of the upper, middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River distinct from each other. Tents are favored by the Tibetan people living in the upper reaches while patio-contained dwellings are common in the lower reaches. 

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