Geography of ancient China

Ancient China's geography is characterized by diverse landscapes, including vast deserts like the Gobi and Taklamakan, mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and the Tian Shan, fertile river valleys like the North China Plain, and expansive plateaus like the Tibetan Plateau. The Yellow River and Yangtze River provided essential water sources and fertile land for agriculture, supporting early civilizations. Natural barriers like mountains and deserts helped protect China from invasions but also limited interaction with other cultures. This varied geography shaped regional development, trade routes, and the cultural cohesion that defined ancient Chinese civilization.