Geography of Ancient China

China’s harsh deserts…  GOBI DESERT to the east  Not as dry as Taklamakan desert  Natural barrier from the Mongols to the north  TAKLAMAKAN DESERT to the west  “Sea of Death”  2 nd largest in the world  Poisonous snakes, sandstorms, boiling days, freezing nights  Natural barrier from Mongols

Bodies of Water  Many rivers flow through China, most running west to east  The 3 major rivers are: 1. CHANG RIVER (YANGTZE) 2. HUANG RIVER (YELLOW) 3. XI (pronounced SHEE )

 HUANG RIVER (yellow)  Fertile soil called LOESS  Known as “China’s Sorrow” for the devastating floods  Ancient Chinese built DIKES (wall)  These walls cause the river level to rise and flood the fields ruining crops

 CHANG RIVER  Over 3,000 miles long  Central China  Important commercial waterway for trade within China  XI RIVER  Southern China  Important commercial waterway within China

Clothing Recommendations based upon China’s climate

CLIMATE  Temperatures are more extreme in NORTH, causing more rainfall

AGRICULTURAL MAP  Climate in the south is better for agriculture

More isolation…China’s Mountains  KUNLUN MOUTAINS  Runs eastward along Tibetan plateau  Stretch along southern edge of Taklimakan and Gobi deserts  HIMALAYA MOUNTAINS  Natural barrier from INDIA  TIEN SHAN MOUTAINS  To the north of the deserts