Han Chiang

a river in China; a left tributary of the Yangtze. The Han Chiang measures 1,532 km in length and drains an area of approximately 174,000 sq km. It originates on the southern slopes of the Tsinling Range. In its upper course it is a mountain river with many rapids. Near the city of Kuanghua it flows onto a plain, within the limits of which it is surrounded by dikes. The Han Chiang is fed predominantly by rain. Flash floods occur in summer; the water level is low in winter. The mean flow rate is approximately 2,000 cu m per sec. The Han Chiang is navigable as far as Kuanghua. Its water is used for irrigation. The city of Wuhan is situated at the river’s mouth.