Longest River in Asia 2024, List of Top-10

Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is home to some of the world’s most majestic and expansive rivers. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the vast plains of Siberia, these waterways have shaped landscapes, cultures, and civilizations for millennia. Here, we delve into the top 10 longest rivers in Asia, each with its own unique characteristics and significance.

Longest Rivers of Asia

Asia boasts some of the world’s longest rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, and Ob rivers. The Yangtze stretches over 6,300 kilometers, serving as a vital lifeline in China. The Yellow River, at 5,400 kilometers, is known as the “Mother River of China.” Siberia’s Ob River winds 5,410 kilometers through vast landscapes, reflecting the continent’s rich hydrological diversity.

Asia’ Longest River 2024

Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze River, spans approximately 3,915 miles, making it a colossal waterway rivaled only by the Amazon. It traverses through China, culminating at the East China Sea. Renowned for the monumental Three Gorges Dam, it boasts a vast drainage basin covering nearly 700,000 square miles. The Yangtze not only powers cities with hydroelectricity but also facilitates crucial trade routes, defining itself as an indispensable lifeline for transportation and commerce.

Top-10 Longest Rivers in Asia By 2024

Yangtze River, with the length of 3,915 miles holds the title of the longest river in Asia, followed by Yellow River, Mekong River, and Lena River.

Here is the list of top-10 longest rivers in Asia:

Longest Rivers in Asia 2024
Rank	River	Length (in miles)	Location
1.	Yangtze River	3,915	China
2.	Yellow River	3,395	China
3.	Mekong River	3,050	China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
4.	Lena River	2,668	Russia
5.	Irtysh River	2,640	China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia
6.	Brahmaputra River	2,391	China, Bangladesh, India
7.	Ob River	2,268	Russia
8.	Indus River	2,245	Pakistan, China, India
9.	Yenisey River	2,167	Russia, Mongolia
10.	Nizhnyaya Tunguska River	1,857	Russia

Longest River in Asia – Yangtze River

Length: 3,915 miles

Location: China

Mouth: The East China Sea

Spanning over 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) through China, the Yangtze River stands as Asia’s longest and the world’s third-longest river. Revered as the “cradle of Chinese civilization,” its basin has been home to communities for thousands of years. Functioning as a lifeline for agriculture, industry, and transportation, the Yangtze River hosts bustling metropolises like Shanghai and Chongqing along its route.

Second Longest River of Asia – Yellow River

Length: 3,395 miles

Location: China

Mouth: Bohai Sea

Dubbed the “Mother River of China,” the Yellow River spans approximately 5,464 kilometers (3,395 miles), making it Asia’s second-longest river. Much like the Yangtze, it has played a pivotal role in shaping Chinese civilization. Throughout history, its erratic floods have earned it the somber moniker “China’s Sorrow.” Presently, extensive dam networks and flood management strategies have been implemented to curb the devastation caused by flooding and secure water resources for irrigation and daily use.

Asia’s Longest River – Mekong River

Length: 3,050 miles

Location: China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam

Mouth: Mekong Delta

Flowing from its source in the Tibetan Plateau and traversing through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the Mekong River stretches approximately 3,050 miles. This majestic waterway serves as a vital lifeline for millions, offering sustenance for agriculture, facilitating crucial transportation routes, and providing abundant fishing grounds. Renowned for its lush biodiversity and fertile landscapes, the Mekong Delta, where the river converges with the South China Sea, stands as one of the planet’s most productive and diverse regions.