Ancient China was an isolated land because of the numerous mountains, dangerous deserts, and vast seas. In fact, thousands of years passed before overland and sea routes to the West gradually connected China to Central Asia, India, and Europe. The Pacific Ocean to the east of China also prevented foreigners from reaching China. The Gobi Desert in ancient China is one of the driest deserts in the world. The Taklamankan Desert, which means "enter and …showed first 75 words of 334 total…

…showed last 75 words of 334 total…in China, and the third longest river in the world. It is about 3, 964 miles long. It also empties into the Yellow Sea. The river passes through some of China's best farmland and many of its towns and villages. At its lowest point, during the winter or early spring, the Yangtze is about 25 feet deep. After the snow melts, it can rise to 160 feet. The ancient Chinese built their homes and towns high above the river.