The Huang He, also known as the Yellow River, is the second-longest river in China and is considered a cradle of Chinese civilization. As with many geographical features, the Huang He has several synonyms that locals and scholars commonly use. These include "Muddy River," "China's Sorrow," and "The Mother River." The first name comes from the river's yellow sediment, which causes the water to appear muddy. The second name is a reflection of the river's propensity for flooding, which has caused significant destruction and loss of life throughout history. Finally, "The Mother River" is a reference to the Huang He's central place in Chinese culture and its role in sustaining life across the region.