Prospering naturally

Biologist's dream and vision helps native species return to a habitat where they can thrive, Cao Chen reports.

Nestled within the western region of the Pujiang Country Park in Shanghai's Minhang district is a bubble within which exists a world unlike anything else in the megacity.

Spanning 17,000 square meters, this area was once an artificial forest. Today, the zone houses Guo Taoran's experiment that involves reintroducing plant and animal species native to, or commonly found, in Shanghai.

The founder of Forest City Studio, Guo has patiently infused purity back into the ecosystem since signing a 10-year lease for the land in 2019.