The Most Popular River in China: Ranking the Crowning Jewel

Choose the river you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 1, 2023 12:40)
Embark on a thrilling journey with StrawPoll as we dive into the depths of China's enchanting waterways! Discover the most popular rivers among thousands of fellow enthusiasts and cast your vote to crown the ultimate favorite. Will it be the mighty Yangtze, the awe-inspiring Yellow River, or perhaps an undiscovered gem? You have the power to shape this monumental ranking! So, come on-board, share your passion for these magnificent natural wonders, and keep the conversation flowing. Don't see your beloved river on our list? Simply suggest a missing option and watch as it rises to fame! Ready to make a splash? Dive into our "What is the most popular river in China?" ranking now and let the currents of excitement carry you away!

What Is the Most Popular River in China?

  1. 1
    83
    votes
    Yangtze River
    Tan Wei Liang Byorn · CC BY 3.0
    The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. It is also known as the "Golden Waterway" due to its important role in China's history, economy, and culture.
    Description
    The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang River, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It is a significant watercourse in China and holds great significance both culturally and economically. The river flows through various diverse landscapes, including breathtaking gorges, picturesque valleys, and bustling cities.
    • Length: 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles)
    • Origin: Geladaindong Peak in the Tanggula Mountains of Qinghai Province, China
    • End: East China Sea, near Shanghai
    • Major Cities: Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai
    • Bridges: Some notable bridges along the Yangtze include the Donghai Bridge, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge.
    Yangtze River in other rankings
  2. 2
    48
    votes
    The Yellow River is the second longest river in China and is often referred to as the "Mother River of China" due to its importance in Chinese history and culture. It is also known for its yellow color caused by silt deposits.
    Description
    The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, is the most popular river in China. It is the second-longest river in China, stretching approximately 5,464 kilometers from its source in the Bayan Har Mountains in western China to its mouth in the Bohai Sea. The river is famous for its vibrant yellow color, which is due to the presence of fine sediments called loess. The Yellow River has played a significant role in Chinese history and culture, earning it the nickname 'Mother River of China.'
    • Length: 5,464 kilometers
    • Source: Bayan Har Mountains
    • Mouth: Bohai Sea
    • Color: Vibrant yellow
    • Nickname: Mother River of China
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    The Pearl River is the third longest river in China and flows through Guangdong, Guangxi, and Jiangxi provinces. It is an important transportation route, as well as a source of water and hydroelectric power.
    Description
    The Pearl River, also known as Zhujiang in Chinese, is one of the most popular rivers in China. It is the third longest river in the country and the largest river in southern China. The river got its name from a huge pearl-colored stone in the riverbed of Guangzhou. It has played a significant role in the history, culture, and economy of the region.
    • Length: 2,214 kilometers (1,375 miles)
    • Source: Qingyuan, Guangdong
    • Mouth: Pearl River Estuary, Guangzhou
    • Major Cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau
    • Basin Area: 453,700 square kilometers (175,200 sq mi)
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    Huai River
    Sinopitt · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Huai River is a major river in eastern China and flows through the provinces of Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu. It is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
    Description
    The Huai River is one of the most important rivers in China, flowing through the central and eastern regions of the country. It has played a significant role in the history, economy, and agriculture of the area.
    • Length: 1,110 kilometers
    • Origin: Tongbai Mountains in Henan Province
    • Mouth: Hongze Lake in Jiangsu Province
    • Provinces: Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu
    • Major Cities: Bengbu, Huainan, Xuzhou
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Hai River
    Photo taken by Fanghong · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Hai River is a river in northern China that flows through the capital city of Beijing. It is an important source of water for irrigation and municipal use, as well as a major transportation route.
    Description
    The Hai River is a famous river in northern China that flows through Beijing and Tianjin. It has been an important waterway and source of irrigation for centuries.
    • Origin: Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province
    • Length: 1,329 kilometers (826 miles)
    • Basin area: 319,000 square kilometers (123,180 square miles)
    • Cities passed through: Beijing, Tianjin
    • Major tributaries: Yongding River, Chaobai River, Daqing River
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Liao River
    吴张帆 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Liao River is a river in northeastern China that flows through the provinces of Liaoning and Inner Mongolia. It is an important source of water for irrigation and is also known for its scenic beauty.
    Description
    The Liao River is one of the major rivers in China, flowing through the provinces of Hebei, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia. It is approximately 1,345 kilometers long and has a drainage area of around 232,000 square kilometers. The river generally flows from west to east, eventually emptying into the Bohai Sea. The Liao River basin is densely populated and is an important agricultural and industrial region in China.
    • Length: 1,345 kilometers
    • Drainage Area: 232,000 square kilometers
    • Flow Direction: West to east
    • Endpoint: Bohai Sea
    • Location: Hebei, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    Yarlung Tsangpo River
    Carlos Delgado · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Yarlung Tsangpo River is a major river in Tibet and is often referred to as the "Brahmaputra" in India. It is the highest river in the world and is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
    Description
    The Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra River, is a major river in China. It originates in the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas and flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh before it joins the Ganges and Meghna rivers to form the world's largest delta in the Bay of Bengal. The river plays a significant role in the region's geography, culture, and ecology.
    • Length: 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles)
    • Source: Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas
    • Countries Flowing Through: China, India, Bangladesh
    • Tributaries: Tuting, Nyamjang Chu, Dibang, Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, and many more
    • Annual Discharge: 330,000 cubic meters per second (11,656,000 cubic feet per second)
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Mekong River
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
    The Mekong River is a major river in Southeast Asia that flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is an important source of water for millions of people and is also known for its biodiversity.
    Description
    The Mekong River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, stretching over 4,350 km through Southeast Asia. It holds immense cultural, ecological, and economic significance for the region and its people.
    • Length: 4,350 km
    • Countries Flowing Through: China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
    • Origin: Tibetan Plateau, China
    • Mouth: South China Sea
    • Major Tributaries: Tonle Sap River, Nam Ou River, Sekong River
    Mekong River in other rankings
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    The Lancang River is a river in southwestern China that flows through Yunnan province. It is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power, and is also known for its scenic beauty.
    Description
    The Lancang River, also known as the Mekong River, is one of the most important rivers in China and Southeast Asia. It is a transboundary river that flows through multiple countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The river originates from the Tibetan Plateau in China and has a total length of approximately 4,350 kilometers.
    • Length: 4,350 kilometers
    • Origin: Tibetan Plateau, China
    • Countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
    • Alternate Name: Mekong River
    • Flows Through: Yunnan Province (China), Southeast Asia
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    The Han River is a major river in central China that flows through the provinces of Shaanxi, Hubei, and Henan. It is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power, and is also known for its cultural significance.
    Description
    The Han River, also known as the Hanjiang, is one of the most popular rivers in China. It flows through central China and serves as a major waterway for the region. The river has a rich history and cultural significance, attracting tourists and locals alike to its banks.
    • Length: 1,532 kilometers
    • Origin: Qinghai Province
    • Endpoint: Yangtze River
    • Major Cities: Wuhan, Xiangyang
    • Tributaries: Dan River, Bai River, Xiang River

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Ranking factors for popular river

  1. Length
    The length of the river can play a significant role in its popularity, as longer rivers are more visible on the map and have a larger impact on the country's geography and ecology.
  2. Discharge volume
    The amount of water that flows through the river can determine its importance for irrigation, transportation, and energy production (hydropower). Higher river discharge typically means the river is more popular.
  3. Historical and cultural significance
    Certain rivers have played important roles in Chinese history and culture, making them popular tourist attractions and points of national pride. Rivers that have been historically important for trade or served as natural barriers might have higher popularity.
  4. Economic importance
    If a river is crucial for transportation, agriculture, or industrial purposes, it will have greater popularity than others of lesser economic significance.
  5. Scenic beauty
    Beautiful or unique landscapes surrounding the river can attract tourists and contribute to its popularity.
  6. Biodiversity
    A river that supports a wide range of plant and animal species can be considered significant from an ecological perspective, which can influence its popularity.
  7. Number of provinces and cities the river passes through
    Rivers that flow through multiple provinces, cities, and regions are usually more popular because they have a broader impact on lives of people living across those areas.
  8. Water quality
    Rivers with cleaner, more pristine water are generally more appealing and popular than those with poor water quality or high levels of pollution.
  9. Infrastructure and accessibility
    Rivers with well-developed infrastructure like bridges, parks, walkways, and viewing points can be more popular among tourists and locals alike.
  10. Media coverage and reputation
    Rivers that have been featured in movies, TV shows, books, or as the backdrop for significant events might have higher popularity as a result of better recognition and sentimental value.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular river in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or river is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1972 views
  • 212 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each river once every 24 hours. The rank of each river is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular river in china

China is a country known for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty. Among its many natural wonders are its rivers, which have played a significant role in Chinese history and culture. The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is China's longest river and is a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery and historic landmarks. The Yellow River, or Huang He, is also an important river in China and is often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization. Other popular rivers in China include the Pearl River, the Huai River, and the Mekong River, which flows through several Southeast Asian countries including China. With so many beautiful and historically significant rivers to choose from, it's no wonder that China has become a popular destination for river enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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