How Chinese scientists fought for 74 years to build most powerful dam on Earth
Tibet 's liberation, the
Chinese government established the first Tibetan
scientific expedition.
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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.
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.
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