This chapter elucidate the contemporary relevance and importance of the Yellow River (China) by exploring the trajectory of its historical development. This historical trajectory includes the trends over time in the physical development of the river's water resources, including traditional river-control practices. Just as importantly, it also includes the evolution of traditional values and symbols related to water and the river. As a result, this chapter devotes substantial space to understanding the relevance of historic cultural antecedents to current issues. The physical and cultural aspects together help explain contemporary approaches to hydraulic management of the Yellow River basin and the options that Chinese society and basin managers have for the future.
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