Francesco Cosentino is a sinologist, freelance writer and photographer with a particular interest in China's culture, geography and heritage. He studied Cultural Anthropology and Chinese Language and History at Rome University. He attended post-graduate studies in Chinese Modern History at Beijing University and in Export Management at Bari, c/o Italy's Foreign Trade Commission. He pursued his professional life in China, engaging in business management as well as film and video production. He lives in Beijing with his wife and son.