Chongqing — What does it mean to grow up close to nature? In Chongqing, one special event answers that question — Nature's Call · Bug Adventure, a nighttime forest exploration for children and families. Organized by Nature Bridge since 2016, the activity invites children aged 6–12 and their parents to step into the forest after dark. Armed with flashlights and guided by naturalists, participants search for creatures that come alive when the sun goes down.

In the beam of torchlight, nocturnal insects appear: beetles clinging to tree bark, spiders weaving intricate webs, cicadas calling from the shadows. Some insects keep their wings partly open, while longhorn beetles display thorned necks and stag beetles show off strong pincers. Centipedes slip quietly into rock crevices, and even the smallest creatures inspire awe.

For many children, this is their first close encounter with wildlife. Their reactions are pure and spontaneous — "So cute," one whispers, while others call the "jumping insect" their favorite. Some families even travel from far districts like Banan just to join, braving Chongqing’s summer heat, which often reaches 40°C.

Since 2023, China has celebrated National Ecology Day every August 15th, a reminder of the urgent need to protect biodiversity and live in harmony with nature. Nature’s Call · Bug Adventure embodies this spirit, turning ecological awareness into hands-on discovery.

Through direct interaction with living creatures, children understand the vital role insects play in ecosystems — from pollination to soil health — and why their protection matters. These lessons aren’t confined to textbooks; they’re experienced in the rustle of leaves, the flash of beetle wings, and the thrill of finding life in unexpected places.

By the end of the walk, families return with smiles, stories, and a newfound appreciation for the world after dark. In a city known for its steep "8D" terrain and bustling pace, Nature’s Call · Bug Adventure offers a rare pause — a chance to listen, learn, and fall in love with the wild side of Chongqing.

Here, nature isn't just a place to visit. It’s a teacher, a playground, and a reminder — on Ecology Day and every day — that protecting the earth begins with curiosity and care.