Huge rocks of various shapes by the Shangqing Stream [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Shangqing Stream, located in northeast Taining county, Sanming, Fujian province, is a place of spectacular scenery. It stretches more than 50 kilometers, winding through the huge mountain rocks on both sides. As a typical Danxia landform, these rocks feature a red color, high cliffs and various shapes. The scenic area has been listed by UNESCO as a global geopark and a world natural heritage. With a good ecological environment and special tourist programs such as rafting, Shangqing Stream attracts many tourists from home and abroad every year.

Huang Shengteng, a local boatman aged 51 years old, has been doing the job for visitors since 1994 when rafting was organized at the area. He has witnessed the efforts of local authorities for the eco-protection of the area over the years, which, according to Huang, has helped maintain the beauty of Shangqing Stream and in turn attracted more tourists, boosting local tourism. Huang himself was honored as a model worker by the Fujian provincial government in 2018 for his devotion to the job.

Huang Shengteng, a local boatman and model worker of Fujian province [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]