Geography of Imperial China

• 3 elevations in China:


  1. Highlands (western China)
  2. Lower plateau (central China)
  3. Lowlands (eastern coast)
• Highlands:


  • Himalaya
  • Tian Shan

  (rocky land, cold climate)
• Lower plateau:


  Gobi Desert - extremely dry
• Lowlands:


  Coastal plains

  • highly populated
  • rivers
  • rich soil
• Rivers allowed for...


  • growing civilizations
  • cultivation of food
  • transportation

  all resulting in...

  • thriving trade
  • increased market
  • growing cities
• What did the Gobi Desert prevent due to its dryness?


  northern expansion
• What did the Plateau of Tibet prevent because of its cold climate?


  southwest expansion
• What served as protection for China?


  oceans, mountains, and deserts