The gestation and development of the Yellow River has provided an appropriate geographical environment for the formation of Chinese civilization and the Yellow River has become the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization. In historical periods，the channel of the lower  reaches of the Yellow River changed for 5 times. Based on the viewpoints of geology，the reasons for the 5 channel changes were analyzed，and the relationship between the channel change and the development of the Chinese Nation was also discussed. The current problems and their influences on the lower reaches of the Yellow River are proposed. It is concluded that the harmonious development between human being and nature is achieved, only when the balance between the natural supply capability of the Yellow River and the social productivity is maintained.