Protecting rare animals through the lens

Besides, Xu is also a well-known influencer of wildlife knowledge, and she hopes to trigger more actions to care about the planet through her photos.

"Too often, we don't learn about a species until it's extinct, but it's too late. We should pay more attention to save endangered species, just like how China has protected crested ibis," she said.

During a journey to film the golden kaiserihind, the only butterfly on the list of first-class national protected wild animals in China, Xu met an elderly wildlife protector who voiced his concerns about the lack of people devoted to protecting the species.

"Shortly after I published my photos of golden kaiserihind, he shared a picture of volunteers with me, saying that they hoped to join the conservation efforts after seeing my images," Xu said.

"Wildlife photography seems to have shifted from being a pastime for the elderly. The participation of the growing number of youths inspires me with optimism," she said.

She also believes that the recent updates to China's list of nationally protected wild animals have strengthened public awareness through legal means.

"There are also many real efforts that everyone can easily make in daily lives, which include using less plastic and stopping feeding wild animals," Xu said.

Wu Jia contributed to this story.