Protecting nature through photography

Xi Zhinong widely recognized at home and abroad for his work with rare and endangered species

More than 150 people gathered in Dali in Yunnan province to celebrate the opening of Xi Zhinong's retrospective photography exhibition at his Wild China Museum on Dec 18.

Guests included online environment influencers, popular science writers, some of the country's best wildlife photographers, editors of publishing houses, managers of a few national nature reserves and even a grassroots official from a remote township in distant Qinghai province.

Some have considered him an idol and drawn inspiration from him for years. Dozens among them had participated in Xi's wildlife photography training camps, regarding him as a mentor. Others have come to know him through various works and consider him a friend.