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September 1-17, 2009, a team of 15 adventurers are embarking on a significant river descent in Eastern Tibet/Western China.
The purpose of the expedition is to complete a descent on the Upper Yangtze River – a descent seldom completed in the last 30 years. The Yangtze is the world’s 3rd largest river; this expedition creates a unique opportunity to showcase not only the raw adventure of a big, remote river, but cultural diversity by introducing a mix of U.S. and Chinese citizens to the river, which few people have ever done, and awareness of the damming and diversion projects on the Yangtze.
The section targeted is near the headwaters in a region that will be greatly impacted by an impending water diversion project; our goal is to bring awareness to this river by highlighting recreational opportunities and fostering river heritage among Tibetans, Chinese and Americans.
On May 27, 2009, this expedition was added as the inaugural descent in the Tibet Rivers Year series. Click here for the full press release.
The Yangtze, translated from Chinese to signify “River that Flows through Heaven” begins its 3,915-mile journey in Tibet and eventually reaches the ocean near Shanghai. The stretch of river targeted for this expedition is celebrated for its pristine nature, ecological and cultural diversity and is therefore under threat from climate change, mining, diversions and large hydroelectric development. This source tributary of the Yangtze is one of the most stunningly beautiful cultural and geographic regions on the planet rivaling the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park renowned for its tremendous natural splendor.
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