Chapter 3 Outline ? New Civilizations in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, 2200?250 B.C.E Chapter 3 ? New Civilizations in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, 2200?250b.c.e. I.?????? Early China, ca. 2000?221 B.C.E. Geography and Resources China is divided into two major geographical regions: the steppe, desert, and high plateau west and northwest; and the eastern zone, more suitable for settled agriculture. The eastern zone is subdivided into two areas: north and south. The northern area includes the Yellow River Valley and has a dry, cold climate; the southern area includes the Yangzi Valley, has plentiful rainfall, and is relatively warm.