The Yellow River is often called the “cradle of Chinese civilization.” It was along the banks of the Yellow River where the Chinese civilization first formed. The Yellow River is 3,395 miles long, making it the sixth longest river in the world. It is also called the Huang He River. Early Chinese farmers built small villages along the Yellow River. The rich yellow-colored soil was good for growing a grain called millet. The farmers of this area also raised sheep and cattle.

– “Ancient China: Geography,”

Ken Nelson

Using context clues, which statement best defines the phrase "cradle of Chinese civilization”?

the place where the longest river in China starts
the place where most people in ancient China lived
the place where people in China began a farming culture
the only place in ancient China where people could farm