The Yangtze River, also known as the Yangzi River or Chang Jiang, is the longest river in China and ranks as the third-longest river in the world. It originates at Jari Hill in the Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau and flows approximately 6,236 kilometers (3,875 miles) in a generally easterly direction toward the East China Sea.
The river's drainage basin covers one-fifth of China's land area and supports nearly one-third of the country's total population. It is considered the fifth-largest primary river in the world by discharge volume, with its longest source being the Dam Qu River.