Photographer & Director
Zheng Yi
Forever on the Road
About
A Life in Motion
Born in 1964, Zheng Yi — real name Deng Xuezhi — is a celebrated photographer, documentary filmmaker, and perpetual wanderer. He has dedicated his life to capturing the raw beauty of the world through his lens.
Known as "Harley Zheng Yi" and "Easy Rider Zheng Yi", his philosophy is simple yet profound: to ride through every corner of the world he loves, living as a true nomad on the open road.
"My goal is to ride my Harley to every place I love, and live as a wanderer on the journey."
Photography
Contributing photographer for National Geographic (US) and Chinese National Geographic. Hasselblad Austria World Super Photography Competition gold & silver award winner.
Filmmaking
Documentary filmmaker and producer. Collaborated with NHK Japan on "Forever Shangri-La" (Asahi Shimbun Award). Producer of "China's Western Human Geography" series.
Explorer
Rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles across Route 66, the US East Coast, and around the entire Australian coastline. Explored Tibet's no-man's-land to film the rare golden wild yak.
Portfolio
Photography
Minolta Outstanding Chinese Photographer. Hasselblad Austria World Super Photography Competition gold and silver award winner. Contributing photographer for National Geographic.
Meili Snow Mountain at golden sunrise
Moon rising over snow peak
Glacier avalanche in motion
Tibetan village below snow peaks
Dramatic sunset over mountain range
Purple wildflower field with lone tree
Snub-nosed monkey mother and baby
Highland wildflowers at dusk
Golden sunlit meadow with wildflowers
Black-necked cranes dancing on the plateau
Crystal blue lake with mountain reflections
Ethereal misty lake at dawn
Double rainbow over highland village
Golden sunset illuminating mountain peaks
Vivid wetland landscape at dusk
Sacred peak emerging from blue mist
Panoramic snow mountain range
Wooden structure in blooming highland meadow
Filmography
Film & Publications
Yi Yi Gu Xing
iQIYI — iQIYI #1 Documentary
At 56, Zheng Yi sold his home, converted a MAN truck into a camper, and set off with his loyal dog on a 50,000 km journey around the Himalayas — through China, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The series debuted at #3 on iQIYI's trending chart and held #1 on the documentary chart for a week.
Watch on iQIYI →
Forever Shangri-La
NHK Japan — Asahi Shimbun Award
A landmark documentary co-produced with Japan's NHK television network, exploring the mythical landscapes and cultures of Shangri-La. Winner of the Asahi Shimbun Award.
No Man's Land
Tencent Video — Tencent Original
An outdoor expedition series following Zheng Yi and his team from Lhasa into Tibet's three great no-man's-lands — the Qiangtang, Hoh Xil, and Altun Mountains — in search of the legendary golden wild yak.
China's Western Human Geography
Documentary Series — Series Producer
As chief producer and planner, Zheng Yi created this sweeping documentary series chronicling the people, cultures, and landscapes of China's vast western frontier.
Published Works
From Dunhuang to Pingyao
with Yu Qiuyu
From Dujiangyan to Yuelu Mountain
with Yu Qiuyu
Relics of the North
with Yu Qiuyu
Between Wu and Yue
with Yu Qiuyu
From Bailiandong to Shanghai
with Yu Qiuyu
Land of the Gods
with Wang Luxiang
Expeditions
The Journey
Over 45,000 kilometers on a Harley-Davidson across three continents. Each journey a chapter in an endless story.
Route 66, USA
10,000 kmSan Francisco → New York
Solo ride from San Francisco to New York on a Harley-Davidson. Traversed the legendary Route 66 through 18 states, covering 10,000 km.
Atlantic Coast & Southern Border
13,600 kmNew York → US-Mexico Border
From New York along the Atlantic seaboard and the US-Mexico border. 13,600 km through the American South over 2 months.
Around Australia
21,686 kmSydney → Around Australia
A complete circumnavigation of the Australian coastline by motorcycle. 21,686 km through 5 states and 2 territories in 2.5 months.
Tibet — No Man's Land
Qiangtang WildernessLhasa → Qiangtang
Led an expedition from Lhasa into Tibet's three great no-man's-lands. Captured the first clear, close-range footage of the golden wild yak.
Get in Touch
Contact
For collaborations, exhibitions, film projects, or commissions — reach out to connect.
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