On July 8, a group of primary school students ready to get in some summer holiday fun entered Beijing's Fragrant Hills Park to acquaint themselves with local "wildlife" under the guidance of a science teacher.

A public park and former imperial garden sitting at the foot of the Western Hills in the Chinese capital, this is where many residents will go for a hike in autumn, when colorful tree leaves lend the mountain a fiery, red glow.

But it also happens to be one of the city's most biodiverse areas. Though the scorching July heat may be baking Beijing during the day, the cool of night sees tiny beings come out of hiding.

(Text and photos by Wei Yao)

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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