East Asia编辑历史

# East Asia

East Asia is a geographic and cultural region in the eastern part of the Asian continent, traditionally encompassing the territories of China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. Defined by a shared heritage of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Chinese script influence, as well as distinct linguistic and ethnic diversity, the region spans from the Pacific coast to the Gobi Desert. Its physical landscape includes major river systems (the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong), mountain ranges (the Himalayas, Kunlun, and Altai), and volcanic islands. Historically a cradle of ancient civilizations, East Asia has played a pivotal role in global trade, philosophy, and technological innovation, while its modern economy—centered on manufacturing, electronics, and finance—remains one of the most dynamic in the world.

## 1 Geography

### 1.1 Physical features

#### 1.1.1 Mountain ranges and plateaus

East Asia is dominated by some of the world’s most significant mountain systems. The Himalayas form the southwestern boundary, containing Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. The Kunlun Mountains traverse central China, while the Altai Mountains mark the border with Central Asia. The Tibetan Plateau, often called the "Roof of the World," spans over 2.5 million square kilometers at an average elevation above 4,500 meters. To the east, the Changbai Mountains run along the China–North Korea border, and Japan’s Japanese Alps provide rugged volcanic terrain.

#### 1.1.2 River systems and coastal plains

The region’s major rivers originate from the Tibetan Plateau. The Yangtze (Chang Jiang) flows eastward for 6,300 kilometers, supporting extensive rice cultivation and hosting major cities like Shanghai. The Yellow River (Huang He) is known for its historical flooding and fertile loess soil. Coastal plains, such as the North China Plain and the Yangtze River Delta, are densely populated agricultural centers. In Korea, the Nakdong and Han Rivers drain t