Volunteer ‘river chief’ records ecological protection with 40,000 pictures
2025-06-11 20:06:27
By Chen Zai
Out of love for his “mother river,” Yang Hongwang became the “civilian river chief” of Xihe River in 2017. Eight years later, the 57-year-old farmer has captured 40,000 pictures witnessing the ecological protection of local rivers and has earned recognition from China’s Photographer Association.
Out of love for his “mother river,” Yang Hongwang became the “civilian river chief” of Xihe River in 2017. Eight years later, the 57-year-old farmer has captured 40,000 pictures witnessing the ecological protection of local rivers and has earned recognition from China’s Photographer Association.
Yang Hongwang, a civilian river chief and photographer, holds his camera.
Growing up along the Xihe River in Yuan’an County, Yang developed a strong affection for his “mother river,” a tributary of the Huangbai River and a vital drinking water source for Yichang residents.
In 1999, Yang used his entire savings to buy a camera, aiming to capture the stunning landscapes of Yuan’an and promote environmental awareness.
In late 2016, China established a “river chief” system that assigned administrative leaders to oversee water protection efforts. In 2017, Yuan’an County began recruiting volunteers to help protect local rivers. Yang applied for the position and became a "civilian river chief."
Yang oversees two tributaries of the Xihe River, conducting inspections through a combination of vehicle and foot patrols. Each patrol can last a full day and cover several hundred kilometers.
During his daily patrols, he documents debris along the riverbank and changes in water conditions with his camera. He also uses a drone to inspect remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Yang Hongwang inspects the river using a drone.
In the past eight years, Yang has conducted 126 river patrols, written 93 reports, resolved more than 60 issues in rivers and reservoirs, and taken 40,000 photos of the Huangbai River basin with his camera and drone.
Yang's photos have gained recognition and have been featured in exhibitions by the China Photographers Association.
Yang's photography works.
In 2005, Xi Jinping put forward the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". This year marks the 20th anniversary of that. "I hope all ‘civilian river chiefs’ can continue their efforts to patrol rivers carefully. I also hope more people join this effort to protect our mother river," Yang said.
