3-year-old riding a donkey sparks nationwide discussion

Li Li and his son recite Chinese ancient poems as they make their way home in Chengdu, June 23, 2017. [Photo by Guo Guangyu / Chengdu Business Daily]

A "weirdo" who practices traditional culture

Li came to the local media's attention 10 years ago, as his "weirdness" often astonished the public. He taught himself after dropping from junior high school. He then started a teaching career in a college, launching a course on Ancient Chinese Literature. He became obsessed with ancient Chinese style long gowns when he was 14, earning him the nickname "Mr Long Gown". Leading a life of a Chinese traditional literati, he could not use a computer, and only uses a mobile phone to answer calls and send text messages.

He began a sanctuary in 2014, in which there are more than 300 kinds of plants and 180 kinds of animals, including the camels and cows his son rides. "These animals are rescued from restaurants," Li said. "As the number of animals swells, I open it to the public after going through all the formalities in forestry administration organs."

He often went goes into the field with his son riding a camel or a donkey for a walk, humming verses to "get enlightenment," Li said.