The Yangtze River is known as the dividing line between Northern and Southern China. According to Phillips, "inspiration from all over the country can be found here" (Phillips, pg. 71) because of ease of trade. The length and depth of the Yangtze River allow seagoing vessels to sail thousands of miles upriver and hence makes trading and interaction easy even during ancient times. The cuisines of this area are reflective of this mobility in trade. Key ingredients such as salt are found in most recipes surrounding the Yangtze River.  For example, even in a landlocked area such as Anhui, salt plays an important in their cuisines.