SI KIANG, a river of south China, rising in the plateau of Yunnan, on land over 6,000 ft. above sea-level. The headwaters flow first of all southward and then turn northward, the southern boundary of Kwei Chow. In this section of the course it is gen erally known as Pa-ta-ho. The river next forms the boundary between the provinces of Kwei Chow and Kwang Si, for some distance 'being known in sections as the Hung Shui. It flows now through the much dissected and contorted ancient land mass of south-eastern China. Opposite Szengen the river has fallen slightly below 600 ft. above sea-level. Later it receives the Lung Kiang on the left bank. The river in this section is known as the Wu-ni-kiang, and later as the Si Kiang. Near Siinchow the Yu Kiang enters on the right. This tributary also rises in Yunnan, and has followed a course similar to that of the upper Si Kiang. The course of the main river to the neighbourhood of Siinchow has been a very rapid one, but from here to the sea, in spite of subsequent gorges and rapids, its course is more suitable to navi gation. At Wuchow the Kwei Kiang enters from the left.
After Chaoking the river splits up into a number of streams and forms a great delta. The Pe Kiang enters near the head of the delta. The northern section of the delta streams, on which Canton stands, is known as the Canton river or Chu Kiang. From Canton southwards a large inlet reaches to the sea. The Tung Kiang, a north bank tributary, also drains into the delta region. The entire length of the Si Kiang may be estimated at 1,25o miles. It is navigable in flood time for vessels drawing 16 ft. to Wuchow, and at ordinary times for vessels drawing 6 ft. or more to the same city. Light craft use the river as far as Hsing-i-fu.
The Si Kiang is the great commercial highway in south China, and in one way or other links Hongkong, Canton, Macao, Chao king and Wuchow with the interior.