In 2025, wildlife photographer Xi Zhinong marks 40 years behind the lens across the Chinese mainland 📷.
His journey began in 1985 when he ventured into remote grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau, driven by a dream to capture the untold stories of wild animals.
One of his first major exposés unveiled poaching rings threatening Tibetan antelopes 🦌. His footage helped spark a national movement to strengthen patrols and raise awareness.
Over the years, Xi traveled from the wetlands of Yunnan to the forests of Sichuan. He captured the shy green peafowl 🦚 in its natural habitat, working with local communities to protect these vibrant birds.
But Xi's mission goes beyond conservation. As a father, he brought his daughter along on expeditions, teaching her the language of nature and the power of empathy. "Every frame is a lesson," he says, passing on his passion for life to the next generation.
Today, Xi's archives—tens of thousands of hours of rare wildlife footage—serve as a bridge between humans and the wild. His work reminds us that protecting nature starts with seeing it, understanding it, and sharing its stories with the world 🌿.
As Xi Zhinong looks ahead to the next 40 years, his message is clear: the wilderness needs guardians, and we all have a role to play.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
