Volunteers take part in an activity to collect garbage on a riverbank in Sanya, Hainan province, in March. China Daily

Dedicated environmentalist has spent 3,800 hours cleaning local beauty spots

Editor's Note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

In the past nine years, Li Jin has made great efforts to protect the waters of Sanya city in Hainan, China's southernmost province.

The 35-year-old — who is now popularizing awareness of environmental protection through new media platforms — was born in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, but raised in Sanya.

"I really cherish the beautiful beaches and ocean here, and I can't bear such views to be ruined by litter. Around 2014, I started doing charity work to pick up and clear trash from the beach when I had enough free time away from running a restaurant," he said.