Han River (Hubei and Shaanxi) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Han River
The Han River in Wuhan
Watershed of the Han River
Country	China
Region	Shaanxi, Hubei
Cities	Hanzhong, Ankang, Shiyan, Xiangyang, Xiantao, Wuhan
Physical characteristics
Main source	Near Hanzhong Qin Mountains, Shaanxi 580 m (1,900 ft) 33°08′32″N 106°49′42″E / 33.14222°N 106.82833°E / 33.14222; 106.82833
River mouth	Yangtze Wuhan, Hubei 75 m (246 ft) 30°33′52″N 114°17′30″E / 30.56444°N 114.29167°E / 30.56444; 114.29167
Length	1,532 km (952 mi), northwest–southeast
Basin features
River system	Yangtze basin
Basin size	174,300 km2 (67,300 sq mi)
Tributaries	Left: Xun, Dan, Bai River (China) [zh], Fushui River Right: Du, Chi, Nan, Muma

The Han River, also known by its Chinese names Hanshui and Hanjiang, is a very important river in Central China. It's like a giant watery highway! This river flows for about 1,532 kilometers (that's over 950 miles!), making it the longest river that flows into the mighty Yangtze River, which is Asia's longest river.

The Han River is so famous that it even gave its name to the ancient Chinese Han dynasty. This dynasty was a really special time in China's history, often called a "golden age" because of its great achievements. Because of this, the main group of people in China today, the Han Chinese, also got their name from this river. You can also find a city called Hanzhong along its upper parts, which was named after the river too!

Exploring the Han River's Journey

The Han River begins its long journey high up in the mountains of southwestern Shaanxi province. Imagine tiny streams coming together to form this big river! As it flows east, it travels through the southern part of that province.

Mountains and Valleys Along the Way

The river's path is nestled between two large mountain ranges: the Qin Mountains to the north and the Daba Mountains to the south. These mountains create beautiful, protected valleys where the river flows. Important cities like Hanzhong in the west and Ankang in the east are found along this part of the river.

After leaving Shaanxi, the Han River enters Hubei province. It continues its journey from the northwest to the southeast, eventually joining the Yangtze River in the big city of Wuhan. Wuhan is a huge city, home to millions of people! When the two rivers meet, they actually divide Wuhan into three main areas: Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang. The flat land around where these rivers meet is called the Jianghan Plain.

For a long time, even up to the 1800s, many parts of the Han River's highlands were covered in thick, ancient forests. These included the Nanshan Forest on the northern slopes and the Bashan Forest on the southern slopes.

Satellite view of the Han River near Yangxipu in Yunyang District, Hubei

Harnessing the River's Power: Dams and Water Projects

To help manage the river and provide resources, the Danjiangkou Dam was built on the Han River in northern Hubei back in 1958. This dam has been made even taller since then! The large lake created by the dam is called the Danjiangkou Reservoir.

The South–North Water Transfer Project

This reservoir is a very important part of a huge project called the South–North Water Transfer Project. This project helps move water from the wetter southern parts of China to the drier northern regions, making sure people have enough water for drinking and farming.

The Han River's Cultural Significance

For many years, people living along the Han River considered it a very special, even holy, place. Rivers often play a big role in the lives and beliefs of communities.

The Han River is also seen as a kind of natural boundary that helps divide China into its northern and southern cultural regions. It's not a strict line, but it marks a general difference in traditions, climate, and even food!

See Also

• Xihan River, which means "Western Han River"