Sorrow of China" refers to the Yellow River (Huang He), notorious for its devastating floods and frequent course changes that have caused immense hardship throughout Chinese history.

Millions have lost their lives and countless others displaced due to its unpredictable nature. 

History of floods: The silt-laden waters of the Yellow River, especially from the Loess Plateau, easily raise the river bed, putting it at risk of overflowing.

Between 608 BC and 1938 AD, the Yellow River changed its course 26 times and flooded more than 1,500 times, causing massive loss of life and displacement.

It is estimated that a devastating flood like that of 1938 had taken the lives of millions of people. Impact on Society: The constant threat of floods hindered agricultural development and stability in the North China Plain.

Throughout history millions of people have been forced to relocate due to floods and diversions.

The river's unpredictability fostered a sense of insecurity and hardship, leading to the nickname "China's Sorrow".