Stations give 'paws' for thought

The chosen one

Metog was selected as one of the initial locations for implementing the nature station project due to its nine significant natural zones that extend vertically from snowy mountains to tropical rainforests.

"These nine natural zones are typically dispersed horizontally in other regions," Guo explains.

"In just three hours, you can journey from mountains to rainforests here, experiencing a swift shift from snowcapped summits to lush tropical flora. This location encapsulates the essence of diverse ecosystems worldwide," she elaborates.

Given the area's complex climate conditions, the stations are built using eco-friendly materials.

"We intend for each station to be a landscape installation within nature," Guo says.

Some stations, including the giant tree one, achieve zero-carbon consumption.

"The tree-shaped structure was created with photovoltaic panels on top, making it self-sufficient in power supply," Guo says, adding that over 80 percent of the materials inside are made with wood.

Visitors become immersed in stories about giant trees that tell how they grow to such impressive heights — some more than 70 meters — and how they can be a vertical ecosystem hosting over 50 species of plants and animals.

According to an April survey conducted by the magazine on user experiences from the first three nature stations, more than 80 percent of visitors engaged in the interactive experiences for more than 90 seconds.

"It showed a strong interest in these experiences," Guo says.

Additionally, more than 60 percent of users tried the same experiences more than three times, indicating a strong desire to explore and memorize relevant knowledge.

The Metog nature stations recently won gold in the Architectural Design Installations category at the 2024 Global Architecture Design Awards.

"The nature stations in Metog county showcase the brand philosophy in a unique area known for its nine vertical natural zones. This region experiences plate collisions, water vapor condensation and distinct climate conditions that contribute to its rich and diverse ecosystem. The nature stations emphasize this uniqueness with themes such as orchids, butterflies and large cats, enticing visitors to explore further," the judges panel of the awards commented.

In November, the nature stations were among 68 cases named as a model for integrating transportation and tourism development by several government organs, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport.