Discovering local life beyond landscapes

"It came as a shock since I had always known the bird as a symbol of good fortune."

As her photo collection grew, she put together a simple birding guide for resort guests.

The guide is still being updated.

When guests ask her about a bird she cannot identify, she researches it and adds what she learns. Their questions have, in turn, pushed her to learn more about the wildlife around her.

The walks also give He a chance to explain how visitors should behave in the mountains.

She tells guests to keep their distance from wild animals and not to feed them. Golden snub-nosed monkeys naturally eat plants rather than high-sugar foods such as bananas and grapes, she explains.

"Feeding them can interfere with their natural diet, while getting too close to wild animals can put people at risk," she adds.

Visitors are also reminded not to litter or enter restricted areas in the Qinling Mountains.