In the remote reaches of China's northwestern frontier, a group of young people have been protecting one of the country's rarest mammals, the Sino-Mongolian beaver, whose population has dwindled to the brink of extinction due to habitat loss.
Found only along the Ulungur River in the Altay region in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Sino-Mongolian beaver is considered "living fossils" and "hydraulic engineers" of the animal kingdom for its dam-building prowess that supports biodiversity.
In 2018, Chu Wenwen, a forestry graduate from Beijing Forestry University, returned to her hometown of Altay and founded the Xinjiang Altay Nature Conservation Association. Through this platform, she launched the "Beaver Family" initiative, a public welfare community committed to rescuing Sino-Mongolian beavers and restoring their fragile habitats.
"When we established the association in 2018, beaver protection was set as our main priority. Beavers are also recognized in many special ways, such as one of the national first-class protected wild animals and engineers of the animal kingdom. They are capable of improving the overall quality of their surroundings by bettering the environment they live in. They build dams, allowing the algae to grow, which feeds more fish and waterbirds, thus connecting the ecological network," said Chu.
The group has since attracted dozens of young volunteers, local farmers, herdsmen, and support from government agencies and private foundations. Their work includes habitat restoration, public education, and biodiversity monitoring.
For Chu, the motivation runs deeper than science.
"The reason people choose to help wildlife is because living in this world as humans comes with many rules and limitations. But such rules don't exist for wildlife. They possess the purest, most direct freedom. So when we help these wild animals and enable them to return to nature, it's as if they carry our longing for freedom as they return to the wild, continuing to live with the kind of freedom we desire," said Chu.
Chu says the project's success lies in its collective spirit and the ability of young people to mobilize through digital platforms.
"We have gained a lot through the Internet. Another reason is that China has already invested massive manpower in nature conservation. We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors and rely on their experience. On this basis, we always strive to make things fun to attract more young people. What's important is that we build a strong foundation," said Chu.
As the Beaver Family grows, Chu hopes that the project can facilitate the survival of generations of wildlife.
"We aspire to build a bridge between human society and nature. Hopefully, our efforts can facilitate the survival of generations of wildlife," said Chu.
China's "Beaver Family" fights to save endangered species in Xinjiang
The spirit of the Long March has been passed down to young generations over the past 90 years, inspiring people to keep their faith, brave setback and put the people first.
The Long March was carried out by the Red Army, which was led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), and mainly made up of soldiers from peasants' and workers' families during the Chinese revolution.
Ninety-two years ago, the Red Army crossed the mountains and rivers of southwest China's Guizhou Province in search of a way forward.
Between 1934 and 1936, the army trekked up to 12,500 kilometers to break through the Kuomintang Party siege, a journey later known as the Long March.
The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory.
Today, a young generation has grown up, carrying forward the spirit of the Long March.
Dong embroidery heritage bearer Lu Yongjiang has undergone five corrective hand surgeries but continues to preserve the traditional craft.
"This was made by my mother, and I've kept it ever since. I think this craft is truly beautiful. I wanted to make it my lifelong career. I've had five corrective surgeries on my hand. When I was learning embroidery, everyone had already written me off. They thought I would never be able to learn it. I couldn't pull the thread with this hand, so I used my teeth to hold it. Then I used my other hand to help pull it through. As long as I can still stand, I won't give up on this craft," Lu said.
"A single embroidery needle may be small, but thousands of needles can stitch a magnificent landscape. When I think about the work I'm doing today, I'm not afraid. I may have a disability, but compared with the hardships the Red Army soldiers went through, I feel very fortunate today," she continued.
Dong-language guide Lu Xianying tells the history of the Long March through Dong songs.
"In Dong communities, many older people don't understand Mandarin. So when I explain this history, I have created several Dong songs based on the history of the Long March. We should approach the history of the Long March with respect. When we tell its story, we have to base it on facts and not distort or alter it. What I most want to do is to bring red culture and Dong culture together, so that both can be passed on," said Lu Xianying, a Dong-language guide of Liping Meeting Memorial Hall.
Zhou Wei, a guide at the Houchang Meeting Memorial Hall, puts it another way.
"I left teaching to become a guide telling the history of the Long March. After learning about this history, I was deeply moved and inspired by the journey of the Red Army. The Red Army soldiers ate tree bark and grass roots back then, so that future generations would never have to do the same. Every generation has its own Long March, and every generation has its own path to walk," said Zhou Wei, deputy director of Houchang Meeting Memorial Hall.
Other young people are working at the grassroots and dealing with challenges of their own. Ninety years later, the mountains and rivers remain, but every generation has its own path to walk.
"More than 90 years ago, when the Red Army crossed the Wujiang River, the current was extremely fast. At the time, the Red Army crossed the river at night to avoid enemy pursuit. They used what was known as the 'Red Army water horse,' which was a type of bamboo raft used to cross the river. This story is known as the 'Red Army water horse'. We tell this story to everyone who comes here to learn about the history," said Wang Yinyin, an official of Jiangjiehe Town Government.
"It was really a matter of chance that I joined the Western China Volunteer Program and was assigned to Jiangjiehe, a village known for the Red Army's crossing of the Wujiang River. I mainly work on rural revitalization, shooting videos and editing social media posts to share stories from Jiangjiehe," said Yu Yaojia, a volunteer of the 2026 Western China Volunteer Program.
"I think the biggest mountain I have to cross is gaining experience at the grassroots level, then using it to better serve people on a bigger platform," said Tian Yintan, an official of Jiangjiehe Town Government.
Long March spirit passes down to young generations
