Walking with Ash Dykes along the Yangtze
British adventurer and extreme athlete Ash Dykes recently completed his groundbreaking journey of walking the entire length of the Yangtze River, spanning nearly 6,500 kilometers. Dykes’ remarkable feat earned him the title of the first person ever to accomplish this incredible challenge. To document his adventure, he released a two-part documentary series titled Walking the Yangtze with Ash Dykes, which premiered on National Geographic Asia.
During his visit to Yangtze River Culture in Nanjing, China, Dykes sat down for an interview with the Khmer Times. Reflecting on his rigorous journey, he described the hardships he faced, including navigating China’s towering mountains, encountering bears, and being hunted by a pack of wolves. However, such daunting, near-death experiences are not new to Dykes, as this marked his third world-first record after completing treks through Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Madagascar.
The Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world, surpassed only by the Nile and the Amazon. Flowing entirely within China, it holds great historical and environmental significance. Dykes, originally from Old Colwyn in Wales, began his journey at the river’s source on the Tibetan plateau and concluded near Shanghai. However, his official finish was delayed by two days due to the impact of Typhoon Lekima on Shanghai. Regardless, Dykes’ achievement will undoubtedly go down in the history books.
As Dykes completed his trek, he was greeted by well-wishers and the media. His remarkable feat of being the first person to walk the entire length of the Yangtze River garnered significant attention in China. He has since been involved in various photo shoots and collaborations with renowned brands and personalities, including Adidas, GQ magazine, and martial arts superstar Jet Li. Dykes expressed his surprise at the overwhelming response, stating, It’s big news here… My book is being translated into Mandarin, and I feel it’s just the beginning.
From the start, Dykes aimed to raise awareness about China’s biodiversity and shed light on rarely seen aspects of the country, all while highlighting environmental issues. However, the journey was far from easy. Dykes recalled the initial challenges, particularly his time on the Tibetan plateau, where he felt his most vulnerable. The extreme conditions, ranging from extreme altitudes to freezing temperatures, made every step an arduous one. Dykes shared that encountering bears hunting amidst the harsh winter elements added a new level of danger to the expedition. Nonetheless, he persevered, considering this trek as his toughest yet.
Apart from his Yangtze River adventure, Dykes also released another documentary series titled The Great Wall with Ash Dykes. The series explores lesser-known aspects of the world-famous wonder, including the underwater section, the dangerous parts, and the wildlife surrounding it. Additionally, Dykes delved into the efforts of those who protect the ancient relics, highlighting China’s achievements in ecological preservation and cultural heritage.
Dykes’ passion for adventure was first ignited when he completed a 1,100-kilometer cycling tour across Cambodia and Vietnam. This experience led him to meet a local Thai who introduced him to a Burmese hill tribe living in the jungle across the border. Dykes embarked on this risky yet rewarding adventure, discovering a way of life that profoundly impacted him. From building his shelter using bamboo and banana leaves to hunting, gathering, and learning about the region’s remarkable natural resources, Dykes found himself immersed in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable environment. However, through persistence and adaptation, he discovered a newfound comfort and adaptability in any situation.
Dykes’ adventures have made a significant impact, earning him recognition on global platforms such as The Joe Rogan Experience, BBC World News, Forbes, and TEDx Talks. He has become a sought-after speaker, inspiring audiences worldwide with his tales of resilience and exploration. Moreover, Dykes has been actively involved in promoting tourism in Madagascar and raising awareness about malaria prevention.
Ash Dykes’ extraordinary journey along the Yangtze River showcases the indomitable human spirit and the power of exploration. His accomplishment not only adds to his impressive list of records but also sheds light on the beauty and challenges of China’s natural wonders. Through his documentaries and speaking engagements, Dykes continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide to push their limits and embark on their own incredible adventures.
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