A paleontology graduate at Peking University recently became an online sensation after he posted his graduation photo online. Unlike other college graduates, he posed for the photo alone as he is the only paleontology student in his graduating class at the prestigious university's Yuanpei College.

The student, An Yongrui, is from Guiyang in southeastern China's Guizhou province. He was admitted by Peking University four years ago as one of the top students in all of Guizhou.

According to the administration procedures of Yuanpei College, students select their majors in their third year, after two years of wide-ranging liberal arts courses.

Given his great interest in nature, geology and biology, An chose to become the only paleontology major in his year. Even now, An says that he never regretted his choice, and that he enjoyed his college life.

An is also a fan of Chinese operas including Peking opera, Kun opera and Cantonese opera. As a travel enthusiast, he is currently planning a trip from Yunnan to Tibet, saying he is excited to observe the natural scenery in those regions.

An has also been recommended for admission to the College of Urban and Environmental Sciences of Peking University to pursue a PhD. He hopes to become a university professor or work in a scientific institution in the future.