Chen Jianxing turned his boyhood fascination with these majestic creatures into a full-time job, writes Deng Zhangyu.

When Chen Jianxing stops his off-road vehicle, about five meters away from the lioness that he has named Lisa, she comes close, rubbing her body against his car to scratch itchy places. Sometimes, the lioness Chen has tracked for years even lies under his vehicle to avoid the scorching sun, leaving only her tail hanging out.

Chen's off-road vehicle has no roof. For Lisa, it's really easy to jump onto the car and attack the driver. But Chen knows Lisa never will.