Nature Observations and Notes | Birds, Plants and Insects

Signed up for Phoebe姐姐's Cangshan Nature Observation Notes! First time experiencing observing and drawing in a natural environment.

Phoebe姐姐 is very interesting! Like a little elf in the forest, I will consider recommending her to friends~

The winter Cangshan remains predominantly dry and yellowish. The scenery along the route isn't particularly beautiful, and the trail isn't difficult. However, after ascending to a high point, seeing the distant mountains and Erhai Lake with white houses featuring upturned eaves is quite novel. The grass step by step turns green, and searching for hidden tasks like porcupine quills adds wild fun to the journey.

When I first met Teacher Phoebe, she was small in stature, carrying a large basket, speaking softly and gently. Inside were small insects to be released after observation, snacks and tea for picnics, and various tools needed for making notes. The load was definitely not light, but compared to the knowledge about plants and animals in Teacher Phoebe's mind, it was not much.

At the start of the observation journey, I was deeply attracted by Teacher Phoebe's natural notes and her personal charm. I decided to leave a special note during this trip. However, with limited time, poor drawing skills, and not-so-good memory, plus her extremely rich explanations, this natural note ended up being quite messy. But perhaps it’s also very special!

After the journey, Teacher Phoebe still shared in the group some plants and animals we missed seeing along the way. I don't know how many times she has repeated this route, but from her shared words, she still seems very interested and enthusiastic. After work, I always feel like I’ve been doing what I should do rather than what I’m interested in. Looking back at the photos posted in the group at night, my friends and I, the only two who take notes seriously, have been listening carefully and recording diligently. I haven't had such a dedicated learning experience in a long time. During the rest of the trip, whenever we saw plants like the big blue tree, stone pepper, or drought gold, we would take them out to reinforce our knowledge.

In our lessons, we teach children to observe carefully, but rarely do we engage in true observation. When I saw the stick insect meticulously camouflaging and interacting closely with it, I truly became interested in it. As I grew older, I made up for lost time by cultivating patience in observation again, taking an authentic natural science class with Teacher Phoebe. The magical plants and animals are everywhere. Returning to daily life, the knowledge in my notes might be forgotten, but this wonderful feeling is renewed every time I interact with nature.

Choosing Phoebe's Cangshan Mini Nature Observation Notes activity was especially worthwhile!

At the beginning, Phoebe took out several jars of small insects for me to identify and explained them to me. Because winter was coming, the insects were not as common as in summer.

But luckily, the sharp-eyed Phoebe discovered two stick insects hiding in the bushes. It was truly amazing—they looked just like the branches of trees, indistinguishable from real ones.

We followed the small path, identifying plants as we went up. Phoebe could tell me the name, story, and even medicinal use of any plant I pointed to. Phoebe not only answered wherever I pointed but also had quite a bit of knowledge about birds and squirrels. Since only the two of us were quiet, our birds and squirrels were undisturbed and very active. We spent a long time observing forest birds and learned many new species! We even lucked out and saw a scene of Porsh long-billed squirrels chasing and mating, which should only appear in spring. It seems spring might arrive sooner than we expected.

Besides the initial experience, Phoebe also took me to a perfect spot for a picnic, where I shared a very special Fengyu mooncake—delicious! We watched the sunset over Cangshan, the moonrise over Erhai Lake, and the Earth's shadow Venus ring. Truly, nature itself is romantic.

A very interesting experience. Under Phoebe's guidance and leadership, I expanded my perspective into a new micro-world. Turns out, every plant and tree is so detailed and interesting, adding more breadth to my life~

“26.1.5 Phoebe's Nature Notes
Thanks to Phoebe, an experience that makes people fall in love with Dali, Cangshan Mountain, and nature

Teacher Phoebe is truly very knowledgeable, also very gentle, meticulous, and patient~ She is familiar with every plant and tree, full of surprises and joy along the way! Phoebe prepared thoroughly and carefully; there were few insects in the grass on the winter path, and she even brought out the insects she raised to show and explain to me in advance. Overcoming my fear of insects and interacting closely with a bamboo stick insect for the first time in my life was a wonderful and warm experience! Phoebe also showed me many of her natural notes, as well as her ideas on note-taking, journaling, writing, and drawing—very enjoyable exchanges~

The itinerary is also very well planned; although the route is relaxed, it is very rich! Not only includes natural explanations along the way, but also has tea snacks at high points with excellent viewing angles. On the way down, we saw a mountain god temple and artistic graffiti on the wall, which are also very fascinating sights.

Unfortunately, I have to leave Dali very early this time. I will definitely come back for other activities next time. Looking forward to it!

The activities at Cangshan Hiking House are so rich. After a long selection, I finally chose Phoebe's Nature Notes. I thought there wouldn't be many discoveries in winter on the mountain, but it turned out to be incredibly informative.

Phoebe's explanations are very lively, covering plant species from overseas to domestic, along with many local cultural additions. The bilingual comparison is very interesting. As long as you're interested in the topics, she can patiently explain everything, making it feel like flipping through a thick natural science encyclopedia. During the trip, I collected many specimens. Yangyang is also very impressive, constantly finding insects for us, even spotting tiny bamboo stick insects. I want to come back next summer to play again with friends.

Meeting Phoebe and Yangyang is the right way to experience Dali. By the way, their mountain camping and afternoon tea are all local specialties, very thoughtful and attentive hospitality.

This parent-child nature observation activity was truly amazing! My child’s eyes were sparkling throughout, asking the teacher questions and talking about the little insects and new plants they saw. It’s much more lively than reading books.

We squatted together on the ground to observe and record by hand, playing very engaged. Not only did the kids learn things, but I also gained new knowledge. Activities that allow kids to learn through play and also strengthen bonds are truly worth recommending!

Phoebe's nature observation notes deeply moved me and also influenced my child. I initially just wanted to accompany my child to experience it, but unexpectedly, I also got carried away.

This was my first time getting close to nature in this way. I used to feel like I was just passing by, even during hikes or outings, like a mere visitor. But following Phoebe to observe different plants and creatures and interact with them truly brought me closer to nature, helping me start to understand and recognize it.

When taking notes later, I also realized I haven't drawn for a long time, which reignited my passion for sketching. I'm very fortunate to have met you all, as it opened up my and my child's senses to nature. The child also became more open in nature, interacting freely like a little sprite. The teacher was very attentive and thoughtful, preparing a hearty afternoon tea, carrying everything up the mountain, including small stools, drawing tools, rain gear, and more.

The little friend said they want to see you again in the future.

Walking along the trail in Cangshan with Phoebe, we learned about many plants and insects along the way. Phoebe and Xiangyang led us, stopping frequently, not rushing, but carefully and simply explaining each small creature we encountered. They were patient and detailed, also preparing insect catchers and containers for the children, who were all very happy. When we encountered stinging nettle, Phoebe instinctively cut away the parts that might come into contact with passersby. This action moved me quite a bit. She is not only our natural observation guide but also a person who respects nature and cares for others.

During the activity, it rained, and our group took shelter in an open space in the mountains. The environment was simple, with locals drying tea leaves nearby. Phoebe laid out the snacks and tea she had prepared in advance. That moment was so beautiful, and even now, recalling it, it feels very healing.

Our older sister drew very meticulously and slowly. Teacher Xiangyang patiently helped her complete her notes. No one rushed her, and in the evening, Phoebe even sent a message to encourage her.

This activity also led us to meet two families who joined just the night before departure—adorable Meimei and May. The children exchanged contact information and became little genius friends, and the moms also exchanged contact details. These chance encounters between people are truly wonderful. We look forward to gathering again in Dali next time.