How Chinese scientists fought 74 years for world’s most powerful dam – and won

In 1951, immediately after Tibet’s liberation, the Chinese government established the first Tibetan scientific expedition.

This was the first comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. More than 50 researchers, equipped with barometers, compasses and other basic instruments, accompanied the army on their pioneering quest.

It took them nearly three years to complete the expedition from the Jinsha River in the east to Mount Everest in the west, and to the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southern Tibet.

A geological map highlighting key mining areas along the route was compiled, complemented by the collection of scientific data on soil, meteorology, hydrology, agriculture, language and history.

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China breaks ground on world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet

This marked the beginning of plans for the Yarlung Tsangpo dam. On July 19, Premier Li Qiang announced the launch of the Yarlung Tsangpo River downstream hydropower project during its groundbreaking ceremony in the Tibetan city of Nyingchi.

South China Morning Post