Chongqing - Eagles, ringed butterflies, flower-faced civets, Jinyun begonias, and Asian long-jawed spiders are among the many species brought to life in murals at Eling Station, located on the first floor of the former Australian Consulate in Eling Park. This is part of the "Strolling through Jinyun · Green Mountain Station" project.

On December 8, the "Strolling through Jinyun · Green Mountain Station" (Eling Station) officially opened, marking a significant milestone in Chongqing's ecological protection efforts. It offers a new avenue for the public to connect with nature and adds a fresh space for environmental awareness.

The opening day featured diverse activities such as nature experiences, reading sessions, volunteer services, and nature education programs. Highlights included the display of works from the 8th Dream Classroom · Nature Notes Competition, a "Strolling through Jinyun" nature market, and a music concert. The event also introduced seven types of volunteer service roles dedicated to protecting Jinyun Mountain.

Nature lovers gathered

Upon entering the former Australian Consulate, visitors are greeted by the "Volunteer Guardians of Qing Mountain" display wall, which honors volunteers who have made significant contributions to the ecological protection of Jinyun Mountain. These volunteers have actively participated in species surveys, bird conservation, nature interpretation, and habitat patrols.

As the city's first officially operational "Green Mountain Station," this facility brings nature conservation and education from Jinyun Mountain into the heart of the city. It integrates expertise from university clubs, social organizations, foundations, and corporate resources to promote volunteer training, ecological exchanges, and cultural outreach. The station’s core focus is natural education, with a focus on the "Protecting Qing Mountain" volunteer services. The goal is to attract widespread participation in ecological protection efforts and create a new model for building and sharing ecological civilization.

Revitalizing nature education programs

During the opening event, the four flagship programs of the "Strolling through Jinyun" nature education brand were introduced, enticing the public to explore Jinyun Mountain's natural beauty.

The "Strolling through Jinyun · Nature Discovery" program, aimed at young people, invites participants to explore the forest with expert guides and use their senses to appreciate the area's ecological wonders. It also encourages participants to document the diversity of local species through writing, art, and photography. The program has already begun recruiting participants.

Another program, "Strolling through Jinyun · Literary Nature," promotes natural reading for all ages by offering immersive, interactive activities that inspire a deeper understanding of nature through literature. This program aims to nurture a love for the environment and increase public engagement with ecological science.

"Strolling through Jinyun · The Beauty of Nature" encourages participants to interact with nature through various forms of artistic expression, including photography, printing, painting, and music. The aim is to foster a deeper emotional connection with the natural world and inspire creativity in the process.

At the event, seven types of "Guarding Jinyun Mountain" volunteer service positions were also announced to the public at the "Strolling through Jinyun · Green Mountain Station." These positions focus on various aspects of ecological protection, including bird conservation, plant surveys, fire patrols, trail maintenance, resource monitoring, and public outreach. 

Special exhibitions, nature market, and music concert

In addition to the Dream Classroom Nature Notes Competition exhibition, which displayed the winning works from over 555 schools and institutions across the city, the event featured a "Strolling through Jinyun" nature market. Visitors could engage with nature through sensory experiences—looking, hearing, touching, and even creating their artworks, such as colorful pinecone crafts.

As the evening unfolded, the "Strolling through Jinyun · Literary Nature" reading transformed into the "Strolling through Jinyun · Music Concert." Participants swayed to the music, enjoying a live performance that included a rendition of the song "Jinyun Mountain, Jinyun Village," which brought the event to a lively climax.

Building a shared ecological future

The Jinyun Mountain Management Bureau's spokesperson emphasized that "Strolling through Jinyun" is a key initiative aimed at building a collaborative, shared ecological future. The project involves government leadership, social collaboration, and public participation to meet the growing demand for a better ecological environment.

In the future, the bureau plans to continue developing the "Strolling through Jinyun" program, with the Eling Station serving as a central hub for nature education, volunteer service, resource integration, and cross-sector communication. The goal is to make this station a model for ecological education and conservation nationwide, contributing to the sustainable development of China’s ecological civilization.