Batang river makes waves

People pray at the Jiana Mani stone square in Yushu city.[Photo by Yang Feiyue/ China Daily]

In July, nearly 100 rafters from around the world flocked to Yushu city in Northwest China's Qinghai province to experience what it has to offer. Yang Feiyue reports.

It was not very well known before it was hit by a massive earthquake six years ago, but its charm has been bubbling over ever since.

Last month, nearly 100 rafters from around the world were in Yushu city in the Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Northwest China's Qinghai province to experience what it has to offer.

They were there to compete in the Yushu World Cup held over July 19-21.

The water gurgles loudly and splashes over rocks in the shallow parts, producing white waves in the Batang River. You feel that the inflatable boats may capsize at any moment.

This is no ordinary river and you cannot take it for granted. It runs for 7.5 kilometers and ends at a point where it joins the Tongtian River to form the Jinsha River in the upper reaches of the Yangtze.

The point where the green and the yellow rivers converge is a sight to behold.

There, the water flows in different directions, even backward.

Kylie Laxton Blinkhorn from the New Zealand women's team is impressed by the river.

"We enjoyed the white water," she says.

"Also, the prayer flags and Tibetan culture made our experience unforgettable. The Tibetan people are warm and friendly."

Blinkhorn is a whitewater kayaker who has paddled in many parts of the world.

Her team came first overall.

She says the high altitude added to the drama.

"The challenge we faced while rafting here was adjusting to it and trying to keep our breath," she says.