Wang Wei, a poetic farmer, has collected nearly 1,000 butterflies over the past 20 years in order to promote the protection of what he calls "flying flowers."
Visitors are dazzled by the colorful species displayed in this magnificent exhibition.
Wang Wei said: "We call this butterfly the Jade-spotted Phoenix, or Double-Buddha. On the back wings are two yellow spots, which look like two monks sitting in the lotus position."
Two species come from Brazil. They're known as the Red Sun and the Moon Rising from the Mountains. The lower part of Red Sun's wings are red, like the sun rising in the east. The upper part is black, like the endless night. The Moon Rising from the Mountains looks just like a bright moon rising in the sky on a clear night.
Butterflies are not just loved for their beauty, they're also the source of endless romantic tales.
Wang also said: "People call these two butterflies Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, two legendary romantic figures in ancient Chinese culture. The female one with a long tail is called Zhu Yingtai. Liang Shanbo is the male one. It's said that when the male butterfly dies, the female remains single until death. That's why they've become a symbol of everlasting love."
With this exhibition, Wang Wei wishes to promote the protection of the magnificent creatures.
(CCTV.com September 9, 2003)
