A six-part series
5: China's Sorrow, China's Triumph
Catastrophic flooding is a constant threat. So much silt has poured into the river over thousands of years that, for much of its length, its bed is now higher than the surrounding plains. Cities have been devastated, untold millions have been drowned. But, slowly, with planning and technology, the Chinese are gaining control.
Nowadays, the greatest dangers exist during the spring thaw - when the Chinese try to bomb the river into submission.
Written and narrated by Stephen Jessel , former BBC correspondent in China. Film editor KEITH WILTON
Producer VIVIANA WOODRUFF
An NHK production in association with BBCtv