Download Ancient China Geography

Ancient China Geography
Where in the world is China?
China’s Place in the World
China is the largest country in Asia and the third
largest country in the world.
More people live in China than anywhere else in
the world
China’s Land and Geography
China’s land consists of a variety of physical
features
North = Deserts
West: Mountains
Central = rivers and Forest
Northeast =North China Plain
Southeast= Tropical Coast
China’s Natural Borders
1. Mountains
The Himalaya Mountains – the world’s tallest –
separate China from India.
2. Deserts
The Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts discourage
anyone from reaching China from the West
China’s Human Made Border
Built to keep out invaders!!!
Messages were sent along the wall using
runners, flags, smoke signals and drums
Major Rivers
Two major rivers supplied water and provided transportation to the ancient Chinese
1. ***Very important River = Huang He River
-cuts through the Northern plains
Two Nicknames:
Yellow River: because yellow soil called loess flows in the river making
it look yellow.
China’s Sorrow: has flooded throughout history – wiping out crops and
homes
2. Yangtze River – located in warm, rainy climate ideal for growing
rice.
Interesting Facts about the Geography
of Ancient China
• Today the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River serves as the world's
largest hydro-electric power source.
• The Yellow River also has the name "China's Sorrow" because of the
terrible floods that have occurred throughout history when its banks
overflowed.
• The Taklamakan Desert has the nickname of the "Sea of Death" because of
its temperature extremes and poisonous snakes. Taklamakan literally
translates to what goes in won’t come out.
• Much of the Silk Road trade route traveled along the Taklamakan and Gobi
deserts to the north and west of China.
• The religion of Buddhism is closely associated with the Himalaya
Mountains.