Final answer:
The cradles of Chinese civilization were located along the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. These areas were chosen for settlement due to their access to water, fertile land, and availability of food sources. The development of agriculture and the ability to produce food surpluses led to specialization and the growth of early Chinese civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cradles of Chinese civilization were located along two major rivers in China, the Yellow and the Yangtze. These areas were chosen as settlement sites because they offered advantages such as access to water, fertile grasslands, and a variety of edible plants and animals for gathering and hunting.
Additionally, these areas provided opportunities for agriculture, allowing the early Chinese civilizations to cultivate crops like millet and rice. The populations in these regions grew, and the ability to produce surpluses of food led to the development of specialized tasks, such as manufacturing handicrafts and governing.