Award-winning Chinese wildlife photographer Mr Zhinong Xi gives inspirational seminar

The College of Business was honoured to invite Mr Zhinong Xi, founder of WildChinaFilm, as guest speaker to share his passion for wildlife photography and conservation on 23rd January at Academic 3.

Prof Houmin Yan, Dean of the College, welcomed Mr Xi and the guests to the event and underlined how important sustainability is in all walks of life. Mr Xi then talked about what got him started in wildlife photography, and what has motivated him to keep going in sometimes challenging conditions, in a career spanning over 25 years. During this time he has photographed little known species in often remote parts of western China. The desperate plight of some of these animals, such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey and the Tibetan antelope, has led him to take a lead role in promoting wildlife conservation in China. Mr Xi made the simple point that the audience can join him in helping to save wildlife now by not buying leather or fur products.

Mr Xi delivered a trenchant message to the audience: Many species have become extinct due to the commercialization of animal meat, fur, skin, etc. Wildlife products are not a necessity to human beings.

Over 200 guests attended the event, and many were inspired by his message. One guest, a professional photographer, remarked: “At first I thought this was a seminar on photographic skills, but then I realized it is about the stories behind these photos. A great photo is one that tells a story. Impactful photos are fantastic to share!”

A two-month long exhibition showcasing Mr Xi’s work is taking place on 7/F of AC3 from 22nd January to 20th March. All are welcome. Please invite your friends and family members!

About Mr Zhinong Xi

Mr Zhinong Xi is the first member to the International League of Conservation Photographers to be elected from China. He has been working tirelessly for years capturing hitherto unknown scenes in wildlife, and has contributed greatly to wildlife conservation in China.

He has revealed extraordinary images of the scarcely known Yunnan snub-nosed monkey 滇金絲猴which have led to the preservation of its habitat. Mr Xi was named Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2001 by BBC Wildlife Magazine, the first Chinese photographer to receive such an award.

As the first photojournalist to report on the massacre of Tibetan antelopes 藏羚羊, Mr Xi raised awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation both inside and outside China. In 2010, Mr Xi was named among the world’s top 40 most influential nature photographers by the Outdoor Photography Magazine of the United Kingdom.

For more photos of the lecture and exhibition, please click here.