Photography is a popular hobby for many, but it's rare to find someone who's been taking photos of one place for nearly two decades. Zhuo Yongsheng is based in northeast China's Jilin Province. He's dedicated himself to documenting the changes of the Changbaishan, a mountain range on the border with the DPRK. CGTN's Cui Hui'ao meets the photographer and brings us this report.

16 years….That's how long Zhuo Yongsheng has been photographing the Changbai Mountains. He does it all by himself. With tripod and lens, Zhuo shoots photos and videos of not just the view, but the eco-environment.

ZHUO YONGSHENG PHOTOGRAPHER "I was born around this area, and used to climb the Changbai Mountains all the time. In my late 20s, I developed a deep passion for photography. Initially I was just recording the beautiful mountain scenery, but now I'm more into shooting the different species, their little moves and habits."

Zhuo says at first his family and friends did not take his "job" seriously. They thought he was just wasting his time and should find a "real" career. But he was adamant, and felt a deep connection with the mountains he grew up with, something he says could be hard to explain to others.

ZHUO YONGSHENG PHOTOGRAPHER "It feels like home. Every time I'm by myself in the mountains, I feel like I'm watching a performance put on by nature. There are moments of surprise as well as disappointment. My dream is to produce a documentary series about my personal observations about this place."

Often just living in a tent, 46-year-old Zhuo now spends close to half of a year either at the foot or on top of the mountains. Apart from seasonal changes, Zhuo has also observed some noticeable improvements in the ecological system.

ZHUO YONGSHENG PHOTOGRAPHER "For example, the number of this endangered species called merganser has risen significantly compared to five years ago. Hotels at the source of Songhuajiang River have also been torn down, due to the pollution they caused. And habitats are being set up for wild animals. The eco-system is now in a virtuous circle, thanks to better awareness on the part of local authorities."

CUI HUI'AO CHANGBAI MOUNTAINS, JILIN PROVINCE Having been taking photos and videos on Changbai Mountains for the past 16 years, Zhuo says what started as a simple hobby has become a lifetime passion. He wants to give something back to nature which imbued him with a deep sense of meaning. Zhuo will continue this passion for the rest of his life. Cui Hui'ao CGTN, Jilin Province.