The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world, stretching about 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles). It flows from the Tibetan Plateau in the west to the East China Sea in the east, passing through several major cities, including Chongqing and Shanghai. The river is vital for transportation, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. The Yangtze River basin is home to diverse ecosystems and numerous species, including the endangered Yangtze giant softshell turtle. The river also plays a significant role in Chinese culture and history, serving as a critical waterway for trade and commerce for centuries.