Visitors ride a sheepskin raft on the Yellow River in Lanzhou, Gansu. [Photo provided to China Daily]

After drinking in these vast natural wonders, visitors can add a final rush of adventure — the iconic sheepskin raft ride along the Yellow River.

For centuries, these buoyant vessels served as the primary mode of transport across the river's upper and middle reaches, where rugged terrain made land travel difficult. Each raft is built from about a dozen whole sheepskins, inflated like air pillows and tightly bound to a sturdy floating platform.

A single raft can accommodate up to six passengers — always with life jackets, because even on calm days, the river's swift current poses a thrilling challenge.

A sudden tilt or unexpected wave can send water splashing over the raft, making an accidental dip into the river a possibility that only the boldest embrace.