YINCHUAN, China, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Outdoor sports lover Wang Haiwa is challenging himself by drifting in the Yellow River, China's second longest river that originates in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows nearly 5,500km across nine provinces.
Wang, 29, from Yinchuan city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is paddling vigorously in a colorful kayak. His grey dog squats behind him, looking around warily.
"I thought it must be very exciting, and so it is," Wang told reporters on Wednesday.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Wang spent almost three months researching and consulting others about his drifting plan. His preparation work included taking notes of shallow riffles or flying bridges he might come across on his route.
Wang planned to finish the challenge in two phases. He started from Yinchuan in June and spent 43 days drifting over 2,730 km and ending where the river merges into the Pacific Ocean.
Wang drifted about 10 hours in the daytime, and set up camp on the shore at night. He ate sausages and canned congee to replenish his energy, and one of his friends also drove along with him to help keep him safe.
"Drifting downstream is labor-saving but still dangerous. Luckily, I never fell into the water," Wang said. He once passed by a riffle 600 meters long with three-meter waves, and had to draw alongside for one hour to find a way through.
"Sometimes, my mobile phone may lose signal, and I needed to stay calm to enjoy the scenery on both sides. The moment I finished phase one, I felt more strong-willed," Wang said. "That's the most charming aspect of outdoor sports."
However, Wang was never alone in this adventure. Besides his dog, Wang had 100,000 fans from all over China following his livestream. Some even waited for him at landfall and gave him local snacks.
"I felt so moved and made many friends along the journey," Wang said. "Gradually, my parents also came to understand my hobby too!"
Wang recently returned to Yinchuan to start phase two of his adventure. He plans to paddle up the Yellow River about 2,700 km to the headstream in northwest China's Qinghai Province.
"Drifting downstream is good for my stamina, while paddling upstream will be more challenging with more riffles and bigger waves," said Wang.
"I plan to finish phase two in three months, and I may spend the whole autumn on the Yellow River," he said. "I'm ready!" Enditem
