Planetary scientist Zheng Yongchun holds a lecture for primary school students in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last year.[Photo provided to China Daily]

He's keen on popularizing science among youngsters, and he sees writing and introducing what he knows to the younger readers as important as his research. "It's scientists' duty to convey their knowledge and understanding," Li says.

The Walt Whitman and William Butler Yeats fan also spent years mastering "how to" deliver the right words. "I used to try making my words clear to myself as the goal, but years ago, I realized I should make my words understood by others, and skills are needed," he says. He is quick to add that his approach includes telling stories, beginning with scenes familiar to everyone, using images and accessible language to explain hard but core stuff.

Li wrote his book, Quantum Mechanics for Children, based on four mini lectures he delivered online, which met with a warm response from viewers. Meanwhile, his latest book-about extraterrestrial civilization-delves into the realm of biology.

He says he has witnessed the country's great progress in both the economy and science and technology in the past 20 years. Armed with a scientist's knowledge, years of experience as well as a poet's curiosity and imagination, he would like to predict a looming cultural age in the coming decade. "A stable and healthy time for culture is to come. Then, with the rise of creativity, science books and science-fiction writings will embrace their age."