River cleaners ensure navigation

On the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, former fisherman pulls garbage from water

Once a fisherman on the Yangtze River, Xiong Renjian is now employed as river cleaner, one of the many contractors hired to scoop garbage and storm debris from the water to make it more scenic and easier to navigate.

Xiong, 53, with a tanned face and strong arms from years of fishing, works with his wife, Qin Xinming. Like many of the river cleaners, they function as a team.