By Xinyi Li, EDITOR

Ash Dykes, a young fellow from Wales, once traveled across Mongolia and conquered the peak of Madagascar alone. Last summer, he started the new journey—trekking alongside the Yangtze River for over 6,300 kilometers. During the process, he goes through plateaus and valleys. Recently, he walked into Chongqing.

Even Bear Grylls, a well-known explorer, praised Ash Dykes for he has walked along the Yangtze River solo (Photo credit to Ash Dykes)

Even Bear Grylls, a well-known explorer, praised Ash Dykes for he has walked along the Yangtze River solo.

Almost got lost in Chongqing

Ash Dykes, during his journey from the Yangtze River headwater to Shanghai, the estuary, reached Chongqing on February 19. It is his first visit to this city, and he almost got lost there.

According to Ash, “Chongqing is a critical place in my exploration. Moreover, it is taking a geographic position like a milestone.”

Ash Dykes arrived in Chongqing recently

“It is so big”, Ash described his original impression of Chongqing with a surprise on the face. “I nearly got lost, and I see that Chongqing has so many commercial centers and bustling places. At last, I do not know where the center is and feel confused about that.” He likes the intersection of the two rivers at Chaotianmen Dock. “When the water mirrors the night scene, it is really amazing. Besides, the hot pot is super.” Ash said that he would take some photos in Chongqing next week. “A 102-year-old citizen will tell me stories of Chongqing in the past days, and I am looking forward to that.”

His signing session was popular with people in Chongqing

Walking from the headwater of Yangtze River to the estuary

In the 1980s, people from China and the US once involved in a drift competition along the Yangtze River. Knowing about that, Ash expressed that he preferred to explore the river on foot rather than drifting.

He is interested in the source region of the Yangtze River

In addition to his way of traveling, another aspect also adds to the challenges. The Scientific Research Result of the Three River Headwaters has identified the related headwaters. Among them, Dangqu and Kariqu are the newly-identified sources of the Yangtze River and Yellow River respectively. Ash decided to start his “source-to-sea” journey from Dangqu. And his challenge is the first of its kind for human beings.

The altitude of the Yangtze River source is over 5,100 meters. He plans to walk from there to the estuary within 365 days, and half of the journey is on plateaus. To make it, Ash has prepared for nearly two years.

Ash has prepared for nearly two years

I am a common person

On the Internet, nearly all the young people praise Ash’s journey with the word “cool”. However, he just regards himself as a lover of travel and sports. “From a common family, I have to work hard and keep a best physical state to reach my target. I hope to tell the young through my experience that you will make it like me.”

We have described his exploration like a “mission impossible”, but the name of his autobiography is “Mission Possible”. From Ash, even though nobody has succeeded, you can still try and make it possible.

The book "Mission Possible"

Source: CQCB, Chongqing Evening News