Based on the hydrological characteristics of the Yangtze River, the differences of navigation capacity between the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are discussed.

The downstream terrain is low and flat, the water flow is stable, the monsoon climate brings abundant precipitation, the water flow is large and the annual variation of runoff is small. The areas along the line have developed economy and strong navigation capacity. The terrain in the middle reaches of the river changes greatly, the drop is large and the velocity is fast, which is not conducive to navigation. The upstream water flow is small, the terrain is rugged, the water flow is fast, the population along the way is small, the economy is backward, there are few ships and the navigation capacity is poor.