Chinese like other ancient civilizations developed around its major river valley. China also had an advantage of being naturally protected by mountains and deserts which provided protection so that it could develop mostly, not totally protected from outside influence. In ancient times, the geographic features of China isolated the country from the rest of the world. Natural barriers, such as mountains, deserts, rivers, and seas, made travel to and from China challenging. These features also allowed people living in different parts of China to develop their own cultures. The ancient Chinese people adapted to the environment by using the natural resources it provided. The ancient Chinese settled along the Huang He River, also known in English as the Yellow River. The ancient Chinese used the Huang He River to fish, farm, and irrigate the land. China's geography affect its development by making it harder to trade and communication with other civilizations, but Chinese civilizations grew along the rivers, whose fertile soil made farming easier. In which river valley did China's civilization begin? What made China's river valleys ideal for farming?
