The red crown crane is often featured in myths and legends in China. It is a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. [Photo/china-embassy.org]

A series of photos featuring wild life were issued on Sept 15 by the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. in the United States.

These photos were actually noncommercial advertisements intended to raise awareness of endangered animals, and display Chinese people's love for them.

The advertisements were placed in 70 public bicycle renting stations in Washington D.C. And from Sept 21, the ads will be printed on 70 public buses in states like Virginia and Maryland.

Animals in the non-commercial ads include pandas, lesser pandas, golden monkeys, Tibetan antelopes, crested ibises and red-crowned cranes.