Families discover Nanshan's biodiversity via green adventures

A group of children and parents recently traded the urban bustle for the serenity of Nanshan’s wilderness during a weekend nature education session at Xili Lake and Tanglang Mountain.

Led by experienced instructors Rui Dongli, Qin Xiuying, and Lv Yonglin, participants documented their journey through sketches and written reflections.

The excursion highlighted Nanshan’s rich ecological diversity. Families encountered rare and well-preserved plants, including cycads and spinulose tree ferns. Guided fieldwork allowed attendees to identify distinctive species, such as the endemic Paphiopedilum purpuratum (Hong Kong Slipper Orchid), and record their observations in nature journals, blending scientific observation with creative expression.

Organized by the Nanshan Social Organizations Federation, the initiative aims to cultivate a lasting bond between the youth and the environment.

“We want children to find joy in nature, and through these experiences, develop a stronger sense of environmental stewardship,” said Ma Haipeng, the federation’s secretary-general.

Beyond providing an educational weekend, the program serves as a successful model for community-driven conservation, proving that even within a major city, nature engagement is vital for urban residents.

Photos by Liu Xudong