West China is a mountainous region. It consists of highland areas, and it's environment is unsuitable for agriculture. The inhabitants of the Tibetan highland get their livelihood by raising yaks and sheep.

The southern regions of West China are dominated by the Himalayan mountain range. Because the conditions of West China are harsh, the region is not densely populated. 

East China, on the other hand, consists mostly of lowland areas. Two great rivers, the Yellow River and the Yangtze, run through the region. The photograph on the right is from the city of Wuhan, which is located on the banks of the Yellow River. 

The soil and climate of East China is suitable for agriculture. The region is known for its rice farming. 

The largest Chinese cities are also found in East China. The largest city, Shanghai, is located on the shores of the Yellow Sea. The city of Hong Kong in the southern part of the nation is one of the most important economic centers in all of Asia.