Abstract: This paper analysed characteristics in the variation of mean temperature, the minimum temperature as well as the maximum temperature in the Yangtze River Valley over the period between 1951 and 2000. The temperature was significantly higher in 1950s, and dropped down with fluctuation from 1960s to 1980s, and then rose up afterwards. However, the changes were to some extent different in relation to mean temperature, minimum temperature and maximum temperature in different seasons and regions. A pattern with the temperature rising up in winter but dropping down in summer on the region of upper and middle reaches, and with the mean minimum temperature rising but the mean maximum temperature dropping down was observed. A uniformly declining trend was observed in the lower reach in every season.

Key words: Yangtze River Valley, mean temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature