In the late 1960s, during China's Cultural Revolution, a young student from Beijing named Chen Zhen is sent to the remote region of Inner Mongolia to teach a nomadic herding community. Immersed in the starkly beautiful yet harsh landscape, he becomes fascinated by the wolves that hold a spiritual and symbiotic relationship with the Mongol herders. The local herdsmen respect and fear the wolves, understanding their vital role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the plains. Intrigued by this complex dynamic, Chen decides to capture and raise a wolf cub, defying both the local customs and the Chinese government mandate that promotes extermination of wolves to protect livestock and aid agricultural development.

As tensions between human expansion and natural preservation escalate, Chen's bond with the wolf cub grows deeper, offering him profound insights into life, survival, and coexistence. The government's aggressive efforts to eliminate the wolves lead to unintended consequences, challenging Chen’s beliefs and his place within the community. As he navigates the moral complexities and dangers of his choice, he learns that true wisdom and harmony often lie in understanding and respecting nature’s inherent balance. The evolving relationship between Chen, the wolf cub, and the herding community stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the fragile thread that connects all living beings.