For 40 years, photographer Xi Zhinong has transformed his camera into a tool of ecological guardianship, chronicling China's evolving relationship with its natural heritage. His groundbreaking documentation of the critically endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey in the 1980s first brought national attention to species conservation, while recent projects tracking snow leopard protectors in Qinghai and recording the haunting calls of green peafowl in the Honghe River Valley showcase ongoing environmental efforts.
Now playing a pivotal role in China's national park expansion initiative, Xi emphasizes that true conservation requires more than physical boundaries. "The ultimate means of protection," he observes, "is to build national parks in people's hearts." This philosophy underpins his work supporting the establishment of 1.1 million square kilometers of protected areas across the Chinese mainland.
Xi's visual storytelling bridges scientific conservation and public engagement, offering investors insights into sustainable development opportunities while providing researchers with valuable ecological records. For the Asian diaspora and global audiences, his photographs serve as visceral connections to China's environmental commitments under current biodiversity frameworks.
