“The legendary mountaineer” Li Xiaoshi unfortunately lost his life while climbing the world’s fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, in May. To honor this unique Taiwanese hero, the county government has organized the special exhibition “Gentle Breeze and Waning Moon, Stone in Heart.” For the first time, photography works left behind by Li Xiaoshi during his final days at his resting place, Mount Lhotse, are being unveiled.
Li Xiaoshi’s eldest son, Li Yao, described his father as different from most mountaineers, saying he “didn’t climb merely for adventure or challenge,” but to seek inspiration in the mountains. That’s why his heavy gear always included a professional camera, “and often not just one or two.” His father walked alone with his camera, traversing remote wilderness and scaling towering peaks, “coming from the mountains and ultimately returning to them.”
Even on this climb up Mount Lhotse, Li Xiaoshi carried as many as six cameras. “Fortunately, three were brought back.” Li Yao and Li Xiaoshi’s widow, Lin Qingqing, selected several of these extremely precious photos to be presented as part of Li Xiaoshi’s posthumous works, along with over a hundred other photographic pieces and casual calligraphy and paintings, all featured in the special exhibition from August 3 to September 15.