Nyima Tsering: last guide of Tongtian River
Nyima Tsering, an 83-year-old Tibetan man, is a fifth generation river guide on Tongtian River. He worked at the old ferry crossing in Zhimenda Village, Yushu City of Qinghai Province. The crossing, once vital to Tang-Tubo Ancient Road, is now replaced by Tongtian Bridge. Nyima and his ancestors have helped everyone from every walk of life cross the river for decades, a unique way of travel that is no more.
Tongtian River is a main stream at the origin of Yangtze River. The sights are incredible and unique where it passes Zhimenda Village in Xiewu Town. Every traveler from Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet must cross this part of the river in their journeys.
Nyima said, “When I was 20-years-old, I was already guiding the cow skin raft up and down Tongtian River, helping to move people and their stuff.” When the Tongtian Bridge was built in 1963, the days of crossing the river in rafts finally came to an end.
As a last generation river guide, Nyima took the raft home to carefully preserve it. Currently, Yushu is actively promoting international drifting competitions. Nyima’s son, Chenlin Bading, is also planning to open a drifting company to help tourists enjoy the traditional cow skin raft on Tongtian River.
Nyima lives in the almost thousand-year-old Tibetan-style house by Tongtian River, where the sounds of the river are telling stories of the past.
Chenlin Bading (R) takes a walk with his father, Nyima Tsering, in the village. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nyima Tsering walks on Tongtian Bridge. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nyima Tsering has lunch in his home. [Photo/Xinhua]
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Nyima Tsering lights a butter lamp in the temple. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nyima Tsering checks the oar on the raft. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nyima Tsering caresses the cow skin raft. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nyima Tsering takes a walk in his yard. [Photo/Xinhua]