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.

"Someone emerged in this world to inspire others. Xi Zhinong is undoubtedly such a respectable person. For us, Xi is first a conservationist, and then a wildlife photographer," one of the guests said during the opening of the exhibit, held to honor Xi's remarkable 40-year dedication to wildlife photography in China.

A native of Dali, the 60-year-old is the founder of the Wild China studio and the museum. He is the recipient of many awards including the coveted Gerald Durrell Endangered Species Photographer of the Year award, the BBC's Wildlife Photographer of the Year award and the 2022 National Geographic Society's "Wayfinder" award. He was named one of the 40 most influential conservation photographers in the world by Outdoor Photography Magazine, and is the only Chinese photographer to become a member of the prestigious International League of Conservation Photographers.

Xi's distinction among his peers in Chinese wildlife photography is not solely due to his exceptional photographs and films showcasing China's diverse fauna and flora. It is also attributed to the profound impact produced by his numerous works.

By focusing on various species over the years, Xi has played a pivotal role in saving a dozen wildlife species on the brink of extinction.

Through environmental campaigns he has evolved into an important activist for endangered species and a crusader for the environment, fulfilling his mantra of "protecting wildlife through photography".

Five wildlife species are highlighted in the ongoing exhibition: the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, black-necked crane, Tibetan antelope, snow leopard and green peafowl.

"Each photo of these species shows their connection with Xi," said Hou Lijuan, Xi's agent. "Without his photos (and related environmental endeavors), their fates would have been starkly different."