In the Forbidden City and beyond, the life of cats

One thing that sets Wu's photos apart from many of the feline genre is that while the center of attention is as obvious as a fashion model strutting down a catwalk, just as much attention is given to the surroundings, such as local architecture, food, people or lifestyle.

One of Wu's most celebrated photos was taken in November 2017 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. One thing that all of his cat-hunting expeditions have in common is that they involve a lot of walking and scouting, as Wu searches out photo subjects, be they willing or unwilling.

That November he spent a considerable time accompanied by friendly daytime light walking on and along one of the city's most popular tourist sites, Nanjing City Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, it was not until about sunset that Wu finally got his break. Not far away he glimpsed the heads of three little white cats and an orange tabby cat protruding from a recess in the wall. Wu squatted, steadied himself and managed to picture the cats, just above eye level, as they basked in the glow of the setting sun.

After he published the photo online he received dozens of messages and soon built up a fan base, giving him the confidence to become a full-time cat photographer, in October 2017.