A modern-day image of the Huang He River at Lanzhou, Gansu province in China.

The books of Yu tell a story about a Chinese official named Yu. For decades, this man sacrificed everything trying to save his village by controlling the vicious flood waters of the Huang He River. The government heralded Yu a hero, and gave him a promotion as thanks for his sacrifices. This story offers insight into early China. Specifically, it explains how irrigation and transportation were so important to the civilization that anyone thought to have some control over the rivers became a national resource. For China, the cycle of alluvial flooding and waters receding was eternal, just as the country itself seemed.

In this topic, you will learn about China's physical environment. You will also discover significant political, social, and religious traditions.

Essential Questions

• What was China's physical environment like and how did it contribute to the civilization's interpretation of their place in the world?
• What were China's political, social, cultural, and religious traditions?

 

Warm-Up

Take a moment to think about the statement displayed in the image, and then decide if it is a fact or fiction. Hover your cursor over the statement to reveal the reality.