Born in China

In the remote Qinghai Plateau, Dawa the mother snow leopard fiercely protects her two cubs. The bond between mother and her offspring is tested daily as they navigate the challenges of their rugged environment.

As spring blooms, Dawa encounters a rival snow leopard attempting to intrude on her territory. Demonstrating her fierce maternal instincts, she successfully wards off this threat, ensuring the safety of her cubs for another season.

By the time fall arrives, Dawa's rival returns, now with aggressive sons in tow. In a harrowing confrontation, Dawa finds herself unable to fend off the group, illustrating the harsh realities of survival in the wild.

As winter descends upon the plateau, Dawa’s desperate search for food leads her on a dangerous hunt for sheep. This life-threatening encounter results in serious injuries for Dawa, showcasing the perilous struggle for survival.

A year passes, and during the following spring, Dawa tragically falls victim to a domestic yak while hunting. Her untimely demise leaves her cubs to face the harsh wilderness alone, marking a poignant shift in their lives.

In the central mountain valleys of Sichuan, young golden snub-nosed monkey TaoTao struggles with feelings of jealousy towards his newborn sister. Lacking attention from his parents, he seeks companionship among a rowdy group known as 'The Lost Boys'.

After a clash between Rooster, the leader of 'The Lost Boys', and TaoTao's father, TaoTao realizes the importance of family. As the colder months arrive, he chooses to return to his family, initially facing rejection before eventually being welcomed back.

As the seasons change, TaoTao feels distanced from his family. Yet, when a Goshawk threatens his sister, he bravely intervenes, demonstrating his growth and solidifying his place within the family once more.

In a vibrant bamboo forest, protective giant panda YaYa watches over her curious daughter, MeiMei. As MeiMei grows, her fascination leads her to climb her first tall tree in spring, signaling her readiness to explore beyond the safety of her mother's watchful gaze.

YaYa, proud yet cautious, realizes her daughter is prepared for independence after observing MeiMei's new skills. With a heavy heart, she gently fades into the forest, allowing MeiMei to embrace a broader world.

Each spring, female chiru antelopes migrate to Zhuonai Lake to nurture their young, leaving behind the males. This annual journey highlights the strong maternal instincts and the cyclical nature of life in the wild.

As autumn arrives, the young antelopes, now grown, face the perilous threat of wolves eager to prey on them during their return journey. The struggle for survival escalates as they navigate the dangers inherent in their environment.

When adult chiru antelopes reunite during the mating season, they struggle to recognize one another after months apart. This reunion underscores the strong bonds formed during their migratory journeys.

As the film concludes, the animals come together in a moment of harmony. Dawa's cubs play in the mountains, while TaoTao and his father share a tranquil moment, and a panda welcomes a new baby into the world.

The film beautifully encapsulates the cycle of life as a red-crowned crane carries souls onward to new beginnings. This poignant symbolism emphasizes the themes of birth, rebirth, and the eternal dance of nature.