China News Agency, Xining, September 4th: "Captain" Tashi Randing's "Drafting Story" on the Lancang River
China News Agency reporter Zhao Linsong Li Jiangning
Tashi Randing, whose ancestors lived by herding at the source of the Three Rivers for generations, would never have imagined that one day he would become a "captain".
This title not only brought him a "job", but also brought him a stable income.
The data picture shows rafting enthusiasts feeling nature in the galloping Lancang River.
Photo courtesy of China News Agency Lancang River Source Rafting Co., Ltd.
Tashi Randing's hometown is Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, which is the birthplace of the Lancang River and the core area of the Lancang River Source Park of Sanjiangyuan National Park.
Every July and August are the rainy seasons at the source of the Three Rivers. The meandering and clear water of the Lancang River becomes turbulent and turbid, intertwined with the mountains, valleys and Danxia landforms on both sides of the river, which is as beautiful as a painting.
This is the golden season of rafting on the Lancang River, attracting river explorers from all over the world to come here to experience "rafting".
"Every time I walk through the rapids, it is a contest of courage and strength. I hope that through rafting, more people can know my hometown and feel the joy of being in touch with nature." Busy and happiest time.
The data picture shows Zaduo local captains and experiencers picking up garbage on the shore during the drifting process.
Photo courtesy of China News Agency Lancang River Source Rafting Co., Ltd.
Before leading the guests to drift each time, Tashi Randing will seriously train each guest, in addition to safety knowledge, the most important thing is ecological protection.
"In this land and river, I hope to leave only footprints and laughter, and take away only good memories of adventure." This is what Tashi Randing said most to the guests.
"During long-distance rafting, we will go ashore to set up tents for camping, and when we leave the next day, the guests will consciously pack up the garbage and take them away. We use the resources of our hometown to do ecological experience projects, and we will also do our best to keep the Lancang River in its most primitive state. Beautiful." Tashi Randing said.
In the fast and slow river water, Tashi Randing directed the rafting enthusiasts on the boat with slogans, sometimes rowing slowly along the current, sometimes rowing fast against the current, and everyone worked together to cross the rapids one after another.
In a place where the water is gentle, Tashi Randing also led the "sailors" to fight in the water fight. Although he was soaked all over, rafting enthusiasts enjoyed it.
The data picture shows Tashi Randing (front) rafting with rafting enthusiasts on the Nu River in Yunnan.
Photo courtesy of China News Agency Lancang River Source Rafting Co., Ltd.
"The first time I came into contact with rafting was in 2014. I saw the 'Drafting China' team rafting in the Lancang River with guests, and I was immediately attracted to it. I really wanted to learn (rafting) at that time." Tashi Randing said.
In 2017, with the help of Zaduo County Government and the technical support of the "Drafting China" team, Tashi Randing established Zaduo Lancang River Source Rafting Co., Ltd., and has trained 10 local crew members, 4 of whom are from Zaduo County. The herdsmen of Niandu Village and Zhezhe Village in Duoangsai Township.
"We have captains who can carve Mani stones, and the boat will bring carving tools. If you encounter stones suitable for carving during the rafting process, the captain will take guests to experience the carving of Mani stones and experience the national culture here." Tashi Randing told reporters that during the rafting process, the captain will also introduce the unique culture, ecology and wildlife of Sanjiangyuan to rafting enthusiasts.
Before becoming the captain, most of Tashi Randing's income came from digging Cordyceps throughout the year. Now, by rafting, Tashi Randing's annual income has increased by 30,000 to 40,000 yuan (RMB).
"Rafting brings me more than income. In the past few years, I have made a lot of friends, and my life circle has become richer. I have purchased rafting equipment myself. The wading skills can be applied to the wilderness rafting in his hometown." Today's Tashi Randing, dressed in fashion, his dark face is full of enthusiasm and arrogance unique to Kangba men, just like a local "explorer" .
"This is the first national park in China. The human geography and wildlife here are in a relatively primitive environment. It is a national park with a soul in the wilderness. The Lancang River is very high-level. Well, in the process of rafting, there are both natural scenery and cultural customs. There have been American guests who came to rafting here, and they said it was more beautiful than Colorado." Tang Jianzhong, who has more than 20 years of outdoor rafting experience, is "Drafting China" The rafting expert, Tashi Randing is one of his "apprentices".
The data picture shows Zaduo local captains and experiencers picking up garbage on the shore during the drifting process.
Photo courtesy of China News Agency Lancang River Source Rafting Co., Ltd.
As an eco-tourism project, rafting is pollution-free and does not damage the fragile local ecology, and can also increase the income of local herdsmen, so it is highly praised by local officials.
In 2019, Lancang River Rafting obtained the Angsai Grand Canyon ecological experience and environmental education franchise license of Sanjiangyuan National Park, and carried out ecological experience franchise activities in the Angsai Grand Canyon.
After a three-year pilot program, Lancang River rafting has officially become one of the franchise projects of Sanjiangyuan National Park this year.
"It would be a very good thing to attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world to come here. The local herdsmen also hope to receive systematic training and become captains and guides in line with international standards." Tang Jianzhong told reporters that the project will be carried out in the future. There will be more ways to experience nature and in-depth exploration of ways to co-develop national park ecology and economy.
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