When one thinks of an adventurer akin to the spirit of Christopher McCandless, the central figure in Jon Krakauer’s poignant 1990s nonfiction work, Into the Wild, the name Kyle Obermann may not immediately come to mind. Yet, just as McCandless had a deep-rooted appreciation for the wilderness, so too does Obermann. However, instead of the Alaskan expanse, Obermann’s journey has led him thousands of miles away from his US home, deep into the heart of China’s untouched terrains.
Obermann’s alias, Ouyang Kai, became well-known after his arrival in Beijing as an international university student in 2014. This was a year after China grappled with significant air pollution issues, predominantly in its central and eastern regions. While many would be deterred by these environmental challenges, Obermann’s passion for Chinese language and culture prompted him to delve deeper into the country. Eager to uncover the “other half” of China, he embarked on a mission to explore the over 40 percent of the nation’s vast wilderness that is seldom mentioned in conventional textbooks.
Relocating to Chengdu, in the Sichuan Province, Obermann set his sights on more than 20 nature reserves across China. From the lush forestry of Shennongjia in Hubei Province to the pristine Sanjiangyuan region in Qinghai, nestled in the Xizang Plateau interior, his journey unveiled the nation’s rich biodiversity. Sanjiangyuan, known as the “Three-River-Source,” cradles a national park of the same moniker, a testament to its abundant water resources.
The brilliance of Obermann’s photographic journeys to five of China’s national parks isn’t merely about landscapes. His unique approach is evident in the absence of pandas in his snapshots from the “Giant Panda National Park”. Instead, his lens focuses on people, particularly those spearheading conservation efforts amidst vast bamboo fields. Through these images, Obermann underscores the profound interplay between humans and nature in China, markedly different from Western counterparts like Yellowstone or the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Chinese national parks, such as the Three-River-Source National Park, encapsulate vast communities. Since its establishment as a pilot site in 2015, around 17,000 households have made it their home. China has ten such pilot parks, collectively sheltering over 600,000 indigenous inhabitants. Obermann emphasizes the parks’ dedication to preserving the nation’s diverse ecosystems, noting that it would be a grave oversight to diminish China’s commitment to nature based on its environmental challenges.
Obermann’s audacious spirit frequently puts him in precarious situations, all in the name of conserving endangered landscapes. His efforts not only aim to raise awareness but also support non-profits and rangers in garnering recognition and essential funding. For Obermann, the visual narrative is the most compelling form of storytelling, and he leverages this belief to inspire global audiences.
A testament to his dedication, Obermann recalls harrowing experiences, from near-drowning incidents to cave shelters in extreme conditions. Yet, these trials only strengthened his bond with local Chinese communities, forging an unbreakable brotherhood.
Obermann’s affinity for China dates back to his youth. As a young student, he ardently embraced the Chinese language, a love affair evident in his ability to engage in regional dialects over local meals. His profound understanding of both Chinese and American cultures presents a unique vantage point, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in environmental conservation.
As global environmental challenges mount, the need for international cooperation has never been greater. Last July, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, made a pivotal visit to China, marking a significant step in 2023’s environmental diplomacy. Despite political tensions, experts like Liu Shu believe both nations hold unparalleled potential in driving a global energy transition, with renewable energy at the forefront.
China’s commitment to global biodiversity conservation is unwavering. In 2021, during the COP15, the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China showcased its dedication through real-case studies, further solidifying its stance.
For Obermann, China’s uncharted landscapes and the necessity to protect them make his adventures truly meaningful. Unlike McCandless’s tragic tale, Obermann’s modern-day “into the wild” odyssey offers a more hopeful narrative. Currently, he’s penning a book about China’s national parks, aiming to share the splendors of these regions with a global audience.
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