Hello! I’m Dylan Harper, a 35-year-old water resources development manager living and working in the beautiful city of Yichang, Hubei Province. Originally from Denver, Colorado, I relocated to Yichang four years ago to take on a role that perfectly combines my passion for environmental engineering and sustainable development. Since then, this city along the Yangtze River has become more than just a workplace — it’s a place I deeply appreciate, a hub for adventure, and a canvas for discovering the delicate balance between nature and human innovation.
Working in water resources management in Yichang is both challenging and rewarding. The city is renowned as the gateway to the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects, and being part of the team that oversees sustainable water use and development here gives me a profound sense of purpose. Every day, I’m involved in planning and monitoring efforts that aim to protect the river ecosystem while supporting economic growth. It’s a job that requires both technical expertise and a strong connection to the natural world — and I couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else.
What truly makes my life here fulfilling is how closely intertwined it is with the environment. Living on the banks of the Yangtze means I get a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking landscapes China has to offer. But for me, traveling around this region isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s a way to deepen my understanding of water, land, and culture, and how they influence each other.
On weekends or during holidays, I often set out on explorations along the river and beyond. Whether it’s cruising through the stunning Three Gorges themselves or hiking in the nearby Shennongjia forest, each trip is a reminder of nature’s power and fragility. Unlike conventional tourism, my travels are deeply observational. I pay attention to how water shapes the land, how local communities adapt to changing seasons, and how the ancient traditions here reflect a respect for natural resources that modern development sometimes overlooks.
One unique perspective I bring to my travel experiences is my professional lens. When visiting a village or a scenic area, I’m always thinking about water management — the irrigation methods, flood controls, or conservation practices I see. This awareness doesn’t take away from the beauty; rather, it enriches it. It helps me appreciate the complex dance between human activity and environmental preservation. I’m fascinated by how water infrastructure projects influence local livelihoods and landscapes, and how they must harmonize with ecological sustainability.
Food, culture, and community are integral parts of my travels as well. I’ve come to love Sichuanese and Hubei cuisine — spicy, flavorful, and hearty — which fuels my outdoor adventures. Joining local festivals, sharing meals with residents, and listening to their stories deepen my connection to the region. Travel here isn’t just about places; it’s about people and their relationship with the river and the land.
Living in Yichang has also taught me the importance of balance — between work and relaxation, technology and nature, progress and preservation. I regularly hike the hills around the city or kayak on the calmer stretches of the Yangtze to recharge. These activities keep me grounded and remind me why I chose this career and this place. The natural rhythms here encourage patience, respect, and mindfulness.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring more of China’s vast waterways and mountainous regions. I’m also passionate about contributing to projects that promote sustainable water use and eco-friendly tourism, helping to protect the environments I’ve come to love. Integrating my travels with my work enriches both — inspiring innovative solutions and a deeper commitment to stewardship.
I’m Dylan Harper — an environmentalist, adventurer, and lifelong learner. In Yichang, I’ve found a city that challenges me professionally and nourishes me personally. Each journey I take — whether down the Yangtze or up a forest trail — reminds me that true discovery lies in understanding the delicate flow between nature and humanity.