长江是亚洲最长、世界上第三长的河流。长江流经多种不同的生态系统，是诸多濒危物种的栖息地，灌溉了中国五分之一的土地。长江流域(river basin)居住着中国三分之一的人口。长江在中国历史、文化和经济上起着很大的作用。长江三角洲(delta)产出多达20%的中国国民生产总值。几千年来，长江一直被用于供水、运输和工业生产。长江上还坐落着世界最大的水电站。

<p>　　The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world. The river runs through a wide variety of ecosystems and is a habitat for numerous endangered species. It is used to irrigate one-fifth of the land in China. The Yangtze River basin is inhabited by one-third of the nation\'s population. The river is quite crucial to Chinese history, culture and economy. The Yangtze River delta generates as much as 20% of China\'s GNP. For thousands of years, the river has been utilized for water supply, transportation and industrial production. It is also home to the world\'s largest hydroelectric power station.</p>