An American couple, the elusive ounce and eco-friendly development

In 2016, China officially launched its first national park pilot project in Sanjiangyuan (Three River Source, also known as the "Water Tower"), the source of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. Covering 123,100 square kilometers, the pilot national park includes 53 villages and is home to more than 70,000 herdsmen.

In 2018, one of the 53 villages called Angsai, close to the habitats of many wild animals including snow leopards, got approval from the authorities to organize activities such as rafting on the Lancang River. It was part of the local government's efforts to enable local residents to participate in the preservation of the national park while increasing their incomes.

The household of Chodrol Palmo and her parents was selected as one of the host families in Angsai to receive tourists.