A series of immersive nature-based education programs is transforming how young people learn about ecology, moving beyond traditional textbooks to hands-on experiences in the wild.

On July 29 and August 1, hundreds of young ecological guardians stepped out of their classrooms and into the natural world, visiting the Luqu Huanian Ecological Science Museum within Xi'an's Chanba National Wetland Park. Unlike the dry textual explanations of a typical lesson, the museum transforms invisible ecological concepts into tangible, interactive experiences. Guided by science educators, the children navigated through various exhibition halls, their curiosity piqued by every display. Using holographic projections, three-dimensional ecological sand tables, and dynamic spherical screens, the museum vividly illustrated how wetlands store water, purify it, and provide habitats for birds and aquatic life. Educators used simple language to break down wetland ecology, detailing the characteristics of common water birds and aquatic plants. The young guardians also watched a children's play, "How Sandstorms Form," which used engaging storytelling to visually explain the causes and impacts of sandstorms, helping them understand the crucial role of vegetation and wetlands in preventing wind erosion and conserving water.

This nature practice session moved away from a "sit and listen, passively learn" model. The young guardians actively participated by observing ecological models and engaging in science-based challenges, truly grasping the value of wetlands as the "kidneys of the Earth." This wetland exploration is a microcosm of the broader ecological education efforts for young people in Shaanxi Province. In recent years, Shaanxi has been conducting a series of themed educational activities for these young ecological guardians. Since its inception, the program has reached over 200 primary and secondary schools across all 10 prefectures of the province, attracting nearly 100,000 children and teenagers. From wetland science to the depths of the mountains, the guardians' journey continues.

On July 31, the Foping Nature Practice Camp in the Qinling Mountains took place, with 30 young guardians trekking through streams and valleys to explore the habitat of golden snub-nosed monkeys. At the Longcaoping Xigou stream, the children worked in teams, using locally sourced materials to build stone towers from natural pebbles. Through hands-on practice and cooperation, they immersed themselves in the beauty of natural creation. "Why is the Qinling Mountains considered China's ecological barrier? From the moss underfoot to the trees overhead, every layer provides the answer," said Cai Qiong, a senior forestry engineer, who used the mountain forest as a classroom to systematically explain the vertical ecological system of the Qinling Mountains. From the soil-retention and water-conservation functions of ground-level vegetation, to the species habitats in the shrub layer, and the carbon sequestration and regulation of the canopy, each layer was explored in depth, helping the young guardians understand the core value of the Qinling Mountains' water conservation and ecological maintenance. At the Shawocun Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Protection Base, the children observed the natural state of wild monkeys as they rested and foraged. Frontline conservation staff shared their experiences in breeding, rescue, and habitat restoration, vividly showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Qinling region.

"This activity allowed children to step out of their books and into the wilds of the Qinling Mountains, helping them establish a concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and plant the seeds of ecological awareness," said A Fu, a teacher leading the group. The event received widespread praise from parents. "We will continue to launch a variety of in-depth nature experience courses, allowing more young people to enter, understand, and protect the Qinling Mountains," said a representative from the Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Protection Education and Publicity Center.

From wetland exploration to mountain tracking, the young guardians have measured ecological beauty with their footsteps and touched the soul of nature with their hands. Artistic expression, in turn, has brought this protective spirit to life on paper, in vibrant colors and elegant ink. On July 18, the fourth "Qinling Cup" Carbon Neutrality Calligraphy and Painting Competition Exhibition, jointly organized by the Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment and the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, opened in Xi'an. The exhibition, themed "Beautiful Shaanxi in My Heart," featured 64 artworks. "Using my brush to contribute to the protection of the Qinling Mountains, and gathering the strength of more young people, the power to protect the mountains will surely become even more formidable," said calligraphy representative Xie Zihan. Inside the gallery, playful and vivid artworks were displayed in an orderly manner. The children used lively, innocent strokes and bright, fresh colors to depict the layered green peaks of the Qinling Mountains, the birds freely inhabiting the forests, and scenes of green, low-carbon daily life, showcasing the achievements of Shaanxi’s ecological and environmental protection. "In the process of creation, the children subtly established green and low-carbon concepts and cultivated a deep sense of ecological protection," said Zeng Xiaoning, a representative outstanding teacher. "As a supervising teacher, I will continue to guide young people to be communicators of ecological civilization and practitioners of a green lifestyle, so that the seeds of protecting our clear waters and green mountains can take root in their hearts and be passed down from generation to generation."

"The exhibited calligraphy works not only possess traditional brushwork and cultural charm but also exude the unique purity and youthful vitality of the children. Although their brushwork is still immature, every word is written with care and emotion," said Shi Ruifang, a first-class artist. From nature exploration to artistic creation, the scope of activities for the Qinling Ecological Guardians continues to expand. In recent years, Shaanxi has successively launched a series of events, including the Qinling Ecological Guardian Selection, the Children's Environmental Protection Art Festival, and the Qinling Cup Carbon Neutrality Calligraphy and Painting Competition, along with over 20 environmental protection practices and science lectures. "The Qinling Ecological Guardian series of activities will continue, using diverse research and practice platforms to educate, guiding young people to carry forward cultural heritage, protect the green mountains, and ensure that the original intention of protecting the Qinling Mountains is passed down from generation to generation," the representative from the provincial environmental protection education center stated.