MRS invited ACA-certified packraft instructors and professional photographers to provide on-water training, photography, and safety support, ensuring both fun and safety as participants journeyed through the Xiaosanxia (Little Three Gorges) section of the Pingqiang River.

On the event day, instructors prepared the gear and shared essential paddling techniques and safety tips. Despite the sudden changes in weather, the participants’ enthusiasm remained undiminished. Over 40 packrafts lined up neatly on the water, drifting downstream with the current.

The Pingqiang River is an ancient stretch of the Min River, flowing between Leshan and Qingshen in Meishan. This area is a harmonious blend of history and nature. More than 1,300 years ago, the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai passed through here, leaving behind the famous verse:

“Half a moon over Mount Emei in autumn,
Its reflection flows in the waters of the Pingqiang River.”

Interestingly, today’s packrafters are following in Li Bai’s footsteps, experiencing the poetry and timeless beauty of this ancient waterway.

As the journey unfolded, the river revealed its hidden treasures. Fields of blooming rapeseed flowers in early spring contrasted beautifully with the lush green mountains on either side, creating a scene straight out of a traditional Chinese landscape painting. The packrafters leisurely navigated the riverbanks, fully immersed in the peaceful surroundings. The presence of families and children added an extra layer of joy to the experience.

When they reached the Shiyazi (Stone Ducks) section of the Pingqiang Gorge, an intriguing sight appeared on the right bank—jagged rock formations that resembled ducks in various postures. The participants slowed down to capture photos of this fascinating natural wonder. According to local legend, when the river recedes, these rocks become partially submerged, their moss-covered surfaces turning white under the sun, making them look like a flock of ducks playing in the water.

As if adding to the richness of the journey, one participant shared a historical anecdote from over 900 years ago. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the renowned literary family of Su Xun and his sons, Su Shi (Su Dongpo) and Su Zhe, traveled southward along the Min River from Meishan to take up government positions. Along the way, they composed three poems titled “Setting Off from Jiazhou.”

These stories sparked curiosity among the packrafters—did ancient travelers need to master boating skills? How did they navigate vast waterways as they ventured into the unknown?