A herd of Asian elephants in southwest China's Yunnan Province has stunned the world with an unprecedented northbound trek, sparking curiosity, concern and widespread debate. Following their "long march" of more than a year, the giants are now slowly moving southward.

Back in June, a CGTN crew followed the elephants on their tracks. The journey provides a unique insight into how local authorities are responding to the challenge of keeping both the animals and the people they come across safe. The crew also traveled to the original habitat of the elephants in Xishuangbanna to learn more about China's efforts to protect the endangered species and defuse conflict between the animals and humans.