A wish to reunite Chinese with their waterways

Veteran rafter Travis Winn has led or participated in over 200 trips down China's rivers.[Photo by Will Stauffernorris/For China Daily]

Where some see danger, rafter sees fun and excitement

When Travis Winn first came to China 16 years ago with his father, a veteran rafter and geologist, he was instantly captivated by the grandeur of China's rivers, thus lighting a passion for the waterways in the country.

"I was shocked by their beauty," says Winn, 32. "I never expected China to have such amazing rivers. I've always been attracted to the power of flowing water, but there is something extra special about rivers here."

From 2000 to 2015 Winn led or took part in more than 200 trips down China's rivers, including 45 first descents (a type of raft). He has explored more than 5,000 kilometers of China's rivers and logged an additional 10,000 kilometers on repeat voyages to favorite sections.

Because agriculture is a way of life for millions of Chinese, they have long had a stronger disposition toward mountains and fields than to rivers. Furthermore, the Sino-US joint rafting expedition in 1986, which, with similar ventures at the time, claimed the lives of 11 people, fed the notion's outdoor enthusiasts that powerful rivers were things to be feared.

"I grew up floating down rivers in the western US, and it surprised me that no one in China seemed interested in exploring or going close to rivers," Winn says.

"To me, rafting is huge fun and I've rarely felt it was life threatening. Even if you don't have any experience or training, under the guidance of professionals on the right section of a river anyone can come and enjoy it."