Wong How Man is founder and president of the China Exploration and Research Society. He made his name by tracing a new source of the Yangtze River in the 1980s. He has worked as a photographer for National Geographic magazine but he now leads expeditions to remote areas of China to preserve natural habitats and indigenous cultures. Where are you most likely to be at 10am on a Sunday? At home doing something very routine like reading the Weekend FT. My weekends are far more structured than my weeks are. Where are you most likely to be at 10pm on a Friday? Also at home. I don't like socialising. I read magazines like the Smithsonian, Vanity Fair and Talk. I've also just finished reading a book called Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel. Where do you live? I live in a nine-house village only accessible by boat, and the place hasn't changed in 150 years. My home allows me to have a glimpse of what Hong Kong used to be. I like to imagine how it was. It gives me balance. Where is the ugliest spot in Hong Kong? Strangely enough, I like ugly things. No place in Hong Kong is ugly. Nothing is totally repulsive. Whom in Hong Kong do you most admire? People with dedication and commitment to the common good of others. Whom in Hong Kong do you least admire? Those who pursue only money and power. When did you last cross the harbour? I took the Star Ferry two days ago to see the Asian Youth Orchestra perform. I crossed at sunset. What is the most overrated thing about Hong Kong? Describing it as a modern city because it is not strictly accurate. It doesn't have balance and the people aren't actually very modern and open-minded at all. What is your favourite building in Hong Kong? The new Bank of China building. It's simple but clearly has its own identity. However, my home is my favourite building and it is where I escape to. What makes you sweat? Because I'm in a position of leadership, I must be cool when I'm in a situation in the field. In my daily life, being unable to say no lands me in a lot of trouble. What makes you smile? Seeing old people with young children. What's your favourite saying? 'Life is a ball.' What has been your most unforgettable experience? In June, when I saw more than 10,000 Tibetan antelope coming together at their gathering ground to give birth, all at the same time. What has been your most haunting experience? Several years ago, I witnessed a huge slaughter at a calving ground for Tibetan antelope. What do you consider to be your biggest achievement? I take a lot of pride in being able to share my achievements with others. What has been your biggest mistake? Honestly, I don't screw up much. I've been fortunate enough to live with few regrets. What is your favourite food? Wonton noodles. What is your best virtue? A balance between being eccentric and modest. What are your plans? To organise the results of my work so future generations can use it. Give us some wisdom ... 'Follow your heart.'
