In Depth: The Struggle to Save the Chinese Fish That Swam With Dinosaurs

In November 2025, the city of Yichang in central China’s Hubei province was awash with autumnal colors, red and yellow leaves blanketed the streets as campers dotted the hillsides. But standing by the banks of the Yangtze River, Wei Qiwei had no interest in the scenery. The water temperature was still 21 degrees Celsius — too high. He frowned, unable to hide his agitation.