On the fertile Songnen Plain in the western part of Heilong-jiang Province, there is a vast field of reeds, extending far beyond the horizon. Known as the world's second largest wetland and the largest wetland ecological reserve in China, the Zhalong Nature Reserve is home to crystal clear rivers and multitudes of wild blossoms, accented by flocks of red-crowned cranes that glide by silently with their wings spread. These elements combined give Zhalong a reputation as the "Most Beautiful Wetland in China."

In the past, the clear water and lush grass made Zhalong an ideal habitat for many kinds of birds, including white cranes, swans, and red-crowned cranes. In traditional Chinese culture, the red-crowned crane was also called "Immortal Crane," and thought to be bred by the celestial deities. Chinese historical painters often used its image to symbolize longevity. Therefore, most people will never harm it. When humans at Zhalong encounter an abandoned young crane at the reed marsh, they bring it home to raise it. When the crane matures, it develops an intimate connection with its owner, and sometimes dances to greet the master returning home.

Xu Tielin is a native of Zhalong. When the Zhalong Nature Reserve was established in 1975, he became a member of the Investigation Team for Wild Cranes — an ideal job for him, due to his special interest in the birds. Each year, when the red-crowned cranes migrated there, Xu began his work. He followed the cranes on a daily basis, studied their living habits, and even attempted artificial incubation of avian infants. In winter, when the cranes left for the south, Xu again followed them. Over time, his reputation grew until he was considered an eminent expert in breeding cranes.

Xu's first daughter, Xu Xiujuan, began to learn crane breeding from her father when she was still a high school student. In 1986, when another nature reserve for the red-crowned crane was established in Yancheng, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, the elder Xu was invited to direct strategy for the new reserve. Wishing to continue his work at Zhalong, Xu sent his daughter to Yancheng instead. Although she was young, Xu Xiujuan performed exceptionally well, repeatedly plotting the right path forward after the new reserve began operation.

Unfortunately, disaster struck. On September 15, 1987, one of two white swans transported from outside to the Yancheng Reserve was lost. Xu immediately summoned two male associates to join her in searching for the missing swan. Two days later, the swan returned, but the young woman accidentally fell into a marsh and drowned, at the age of only 23. The junior Xu's story later inspired a musician to compose a song, which was unexpectedly popular nationwide. Xu Xiujuan thus became a household name, and is regarded as one of China's pioneering conservationists.

Now in his 70s, Xu Tielin and his family still live in Zhalong. His son works for the protection of red-crowned cranes at Zhalong Nature Reserve, following in the footsteps of his father and sister. When Wang Fuchun proposed to take a group photo for the entire family, they found a large image of Xu Xiujuan and posed with it. In the heart of Xu Tielin, his daughter was simply reincarnated as an immortal crane, now flying faraway on an important mission, but he insists she will certainly come back one day.