"Our ethnic group has leaped directly from a primitive society to a socialist society. The older people adapt to the times a bit more slowly. The wildness remains in their lifestyle," said Gumusen, a member of the ethnic group. 

Ever since he lived in the mountains and started raising reindeer, he began to understand their group. "Our people strive to face the harsh living conditions and beasts in the mountains. Without tenacity or a resolute nature, it would be impossible for one to survive in this environment," he added. So many lives are born into the mountains. Such a bitter environment requires everyone to depend on each other and stay strong.

"What we ought to be doing is to better protect nature. We know deep inside that we are Ewenki," he said.

Watch this episode to learn more about the Ewenki people.

About 'Journeys in Nature': The Ewenki Series

The Ewenki, considered the last tribe of hunter-gatherers in China, is the only ethnic group in the country that raises reindeer. Scattered in untraversed grasslands and forests, these people are rarely exposed to the wider world. Laying down the shotguns they used to hunt with, the Ewenki people no longer live a nomadic life like their ancestors. The pace of the times has quietly altered many customs, but their relationship with nature has not changed. In this series, CGTN Nature takes you on a journey to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to hear their stories.

For more

The Ewenki Ep.1: Excellent horseback riders on the grassland

The Ewenki Ep.2: Every young Ewenki has a dream

The Ewenki Ep.3: Calling them home

The Ewenki Ep.4: Forever be in awe of nature

The Ewenki Ep.5: An unfinished traditional Ewenki animal skin mosaic

The Ewenki Ep.6: She lives with the Ewenki for inspiration

(Cover image a video screenshot; video by CGTN Nature film crew)

(If you have specific expertise and want to contribute, or if you have a topic of interest that you'd like to share with us, please email us at nature@cgtn.com.)