When sunlight filters through the branches of Minshan firs, when melting snow awakens the murmuring streams of western Sichuan, when the fleeting silhouettes of a wild giant panda and her cub once again grace the forest… A vision of harmony between man and nature unfolds. After a full year of dedicated filming, Joint Survival, an ecological and cultural documentary jointly produced by the Chengdu Administration of Giant Panda National Park and Chengdu Radio and Television Station, was officially released on February 18.

Poster from the Documentary Joint Survival

From snow-laden peaks to autumn’s golden rain of leaves, from the smoke curling above village rooftops to the silent majesty of glacial summits, from sweeping mountain vistas to the hidden wonders of the undergrowth—driven by reverence for the natural world, the creative team has painstakingly captured the true essence of this land. The result is an intimate and unfiltered portrayal of the symbiotic dance between humans, wild giant pandas, and countless other rare creatures, revealing the panda homeland in its most pristine and untamed form.

Poster from the Documentary Joint Survival

Through the lens, towering mountains and lush forests weave a vivid tapestry of shifting hues as the seasons change. Wild giant pandas, elusive snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and Sichuan takins roam freely through this untamed paradise, their presence a testament to nature’s resilience. The enduring green mountains, once a timeless promise, are now transforming into a golden reality of ecological prosperity. Biodiversity and sustainable development have become the most compelling annotations to the success of conservation efforts on this land.

Poster from the Documentary Joint Survival

Anchored in the rhythm of the four seasons, the film delicately portrays a thriving and harmonious ecosystem through the eyes and experiences of snow mountain rangers, forestry engineers, indigenous villagers, and nature educators.

From the steadfast endurance of winter to the renewal of spring, from summer’s lush abundance to autumn’s bountiful harvest, the film captures, with unfiltered authenticity, their dedication, wisdom, and warmth through the cycle of the seasons. It allows us to witness both the harsh winters and the glow of firelight in the protected areas, but more importantly, it reveals how the quiet radiance of ordinary people illuminates the vast mountains and rivers. In doing so, it invites every viewer to find their own place within the grand ecology of nature.

Poster from the Documentary Joint Survival

Since the establishment of Giant Panda National Park in 2021, the Chengdu section has restored approximately 240,000 mu (16,000 hectares) of panda habitat. Along 73 patrol routes, 645 rangers tread lightly through the forests, tracking the hidden footprints of these enigmatic creatures. A network of 661 infrared cameras, over 50 video monitoring stations, and 148 real-time transmission devices stands watch, chronicling the untold stories of the wild. In the past three years, eight co-managed conservation committees have been formed, integrating 600 local residents into the ranks of ecological guardians. Meanwhile, 13 eco-friendly product lines and nine sustainable enterprises have flourished. Nature education has found new roots, with over 40 dedicated education centers established, more than 20 immersive nature trails designed, and nearly 40 annual events bringing the wonders of the wild to the public.