Published on: 2026-08-26
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Xiangshan Park is one of the most biodiverse areas around Beijing: it is home to 487 species of plants, 130 species of birds, and over 200 species of nocturnal animals.
Every summer, the park hosts the event “Wonderful Night in Xiangshan” — a nighttime ecological observation program that has turned into an engaging live lesson in natural science. Since 2015, more than a thousand families have participated in the event: for children, it is an opportunity to see the “other side” of the city — the night park with its unique life.
The event program is structured around the cycle “cognition — preparation — practice — perception.”
The start takes place indoors: in the introductory session, participants are told about safety rules and given basic knowledge about the night nature. This approach helps children overcome their fear of the dark. Then the group sets off with flashlights on a two-kilometer route through wooded terrain.
In the light of flashlights, the children observe real nocturnal life: they see a stag beetle, a cicada whose wings are forming, an eastern fire-bellied toad, and other representatives of the fauna. This way, the children see with their own eyes how rich and unnoticed urban nature is during the daytime.
The main goal of the “Wonderful Night in Xiangshan” is not to memorize species names, but to form a deep connection between humans and nature. The approach is based on the principle of “minimal intervention”: mentors teach children to observe gently—aim the flashlight at an angle, avoid disturbing animal habitats, and use photo documentation instead of collecting specimens.
The impact of the program goes far beyond a single excursion. After participating in the event, children form “night observation teams” in their courtyards, and teachers adapt this format for school lessons. A particularly telling example is that of a boy who transformed from a child afraid of insects into a young “lecturer on insects”: this clearly demonstrates how natural history education promotes personal growth.
A solid foundation for holding the “Wonderful Night in Xiangshan” is the favorable ecological condition of the park. The gradual improvement of the local forest environment is evidenced by stable populations of indicator species: squirrels consistently inhabit the mountain forests, and cavity-nesting birds are increasingly common—including mandarin ducks and owls.
“Wonderful Night in Xiangshan” is not just a summer adventure, but a vivid example of how nature education is successfully implemented in the city park setting.
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