Three centuries ago, the sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso penned a simple yet lasting ode: “White crane. Lend me your wings. I will fly not far away. Just to Litang, and then return.” In these lines, he captured the timeless bond between the people of the Xizang region and the black-necked cranes that grace its highland skies.
This May 23, as the Xizang region marks the 74th anniversary of its peaceful liberation, CGTN unveils a new documentary following these celestial dancers through the changing seasons. Viewers are invited to witness the cranes’ courtship ballets across spring wetlands, their parenting struggles under the summer sun, their epic migrations over autumnal peaks, and their winter sojourns in villages alongside local residents.
At the heart of this story is 75-year-old Tenzin, whose life has unfolded to the rhythm of the cranes’ calls. He embodies a generation that grew up revering these birds not just as wildlife, but as living symbols of resilience and harmony on the plateau.
By weaving centuries-old poetry, intimate human stories, and stunning seasonal footage, the documentary offers a fresh perspective on coexistence in one of the world’s most remote regions. It’s a celebration of nature’s choreography and a reminder that human cultures can flourish when we honor the creatures we share our planet with.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
