Sheepskin rafter Zhang Debao inflates his airbag for the sheepskin raft at home in Lanzhou, Gansu province on May 1, 2003. [Photo by Ren Shichen/cpanet.org.cn]

However, with the rapid development of society, the sheepskin raft has largely fulfilled its historical role in transporting people and goods. Nowadays, it can only be found along the banks of the Yellow River in cities such as Lanzhou and Baiyin in Gansu province, Zhongwei in Ningxia Hui autonomous region. It has become a tool for people to ferry on the Yellow River for sightseeing and leisure.

Today only some of the older generation of rafters still operate the traditional sheepskin rafts, who are inheritors and are helping to preserve the ancient craft. The younger generations are not willing to continue the operation and choosing to pursue other business opportunities on the riverbank.

Here we have selected a series of photos taken by Ren Shichen which offer a glimpse into the world of these traditional sheepskin rafts.