Is riding a bull to kindergarten cool or dangerous?

Li Li has taken his three-year-old son to and from Kindergarten riding on a donkey, a bull, or sometimes a pony, since he started last year.

Li Li leads a bull with his three-year-old son riding on its back. [Photo: Chengdu Business Daily]

As an expert on Chinese culture, and the owner of a private zoo in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan province, Li believes it's an excellent way to promote the love of nature among children, reports Chengdu Business Daily.

During their 3-kilometer journey, he tells his son all about animals and plants, or teaches him traditional Chinese poems, about the animal kingdom, the weather or the world around him. Li also sees it as a perfect way to practice Chinese culture.

"It strengthens the emotional bond between my son and I," said Li. "It also gives him the opportunity to interact with animals."

He says his son is happy to ride animals to kindergarten.

Photos of the pair have gone viral, and have attracted a mixed response. Some think it's cool for the boy to ride a bull, while others are concerned he will fall, and get trampled underfoot by the animal.

They've also attracted the attention of the traffic authorities. While it's not specifically banned by China's Road Traffic Safety Law, it is recommended that owners keep a tight hold of their animals, and not ride them on the carriageway, said the local traffic department.

The authority added that animals are easily startled, which may cause a danger to both rider and other road users. It suggests people avoid it, if at all possible.

Responding to public concern, and that of his wife, Li says bulls and donkeys walk steadily and that children should be trained to be brave.