How has the physical landscape of china influenced its population distribution?

China's physical landscape, characterized by vast mountain ranges, plateaus, deserts, and river systems, has significantly influenced its population distribution. The majority of the population is concentrated in the eastern and southern regions, where fertile plains and river valleys, such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, provide arable land and access to water. In contrast, the harsh terrain of the Tibetan Plateau, the Gobi Desert, and the mountainous western regions has limited habitation and economic development, resulting in sparser populations in these areas. This geographic disparity has led to a pronounced urban-rural divide, with megacities like Beijing and Shanghai emerging in more hospitable regions.