Micro marvels thrive in glass menageries

Nature in miniature

Sharing the same interest with Wang, Li Ang from Beijing has taken his interest in replicas of micro ecosystems up a notch.

In a glass terrarium, he has managed to capture nature's vastness in miniature — from rainforests and deserts to oceans, and even landscapes formed from his imagination.

In this creation of his, mist rises from a mountain stream and a waterfall drops from the top. An ancient tree stands tall in the center of the tank, with a serene pool of water reflecting the surroundings at the bottom. These carefully chosen elements evoke the depth and mystery of a dense, ancient forest.

As one peers closer into the tank, a new world unfolds. Miniature water lilies float on the surface of the pool, and delicate plants resemble lotus leaves.

With the flick of a switch, the top of the terrarium releases a fine mist, simulating rain that showers the forest below.

"Ecological micro-landscapes, to a certain extent, are about creating a stable environment for plants," said Li, a 40-year-old with a design background. He added he aims to achieve a seamless integration of ecological harmony and visual aesthetics, allowing both elements to complement and enhance each other.

Key elements include grandeur of form, twisting and graceful lines, and conveying vastness through small details, he explained.

Li has been fascinated by small creatures, particularly insects, since childhood. "My love for insects led me to explore tropical rainforests, which eventually expanded my interest to the broader natural world," he recalled.

This curiosity sparked a fascination with various plants and animals, and their ecosystems, he said.