On September 20, “Loving you amidst the quiet grass hall of Jade Mountain, with the crisp autumn air feeling fresh and renewed,” the second season of the “31 Forests Star Journey,” jointly organized by Fashion Tourism Magazine and Subaru (China), successfully concluded at Jinlongshan National Forest Park. During this event, over 50 Subaru car owners and guests traveled to Harbin’s “back garden”—Jinlongshan National Forest Park—to engage in culturally immersive experiences and environmental tasks that resonated with the local character. Amidst the beautiful nature, they not only exercised their bodies but also received spiritual and mental enrichment.
The autumn in Harbin, the “Ice City,” is exceptionally enchanting, with golden red leaves dotting the landscape and exotic-style city architecture that is diverse yet unified, inclusive yet highly distinctive. The test drive route for this second-season Harbin stop of the “31 Forests Star Journey” began at the Pangda Subaru 4S store and ended at Jinlongshan National Forest Park, where cultural experiences and environmental missions were carried out. Along the way, the dense subarctic tall forests and the rustic charm of Northeastern farmland life captivated everyone, immersing them in a serene and peaceful rural scene. Some guests had the special opportunity to test drive the Outback, Forester, and SUBARU XV. These vehicles, equipped with unique technologies such as symmetrical all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines, delivered outstanding performance, making the over 100-kilometer journey smooth and effortless—truly living up to their reputation as “experts in long-distance travel.”
The breathtaking scenery along the way was unforgettable. After an hour’s drive, we arrived at Hengtoushan Hotel, took a short rest, and then began our cultural experience task. “Hailun Paper-cutting,” a local cultural brand of Harbin with a long history and international renown, served as the focus. To enhance on-site interaction, Fashion Tourism specially invited young inheritors of “Hailun Paper-cutting” to demonstrate the profound historical and cultural essence as well as key techniques of the craft. Many car owners and guests eagerly joined in, carefully trying their hand at paper-cutting under the guidance of the inheritors. As early as 1993, Hailun was awarded the honorary title of “Chinese Folk Art—Hometown of Paper-cutting” by the Ministry of Culture. Distinct from traditional paper-cutting in other regions, “Hailun Paper-cutting” stands out by mainly using lampblack smoking and scissors, creating images of flowers, birds, animals, and human figures to produce items like decorative hangings and window grilles, forming a uniquely vivid artistic style. During the hands-on session, guests were fortunate enough to closely admire renowned representative works of “Hailun Paper-cutting” such as “Manchu Wedding Custom Painting,” “Oroqen Folk Style,” and “Success at First Try,” marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant vitality of folk art.
After enjoying an authentic and richly flavored Northeastern lunch, all guests, at the call of the team-building coach, cheerfully formed five small groups. Led by team captains, everyone ventured into Jinlongshan National Forest Park to carry out environmental mission activities. Located 48 kilometers south of Changjiang Road in Harbin, within Acheng District—the birthplace of the Jin Dynasty—Jinlongshan National Forest Park has a main peak standing at 826 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Harbin. The park features forest landscapes as its main attraction, rugged mountain cliffs as its framework, and clear springs and streams as its veins, interspersed with historical and cultural sites, creating a uniquely beautiful scenery of “peculiar mountains, strange rocks, ancient trees, forest seas, cultural relics, mountain springs, flora and fauna.” Along the wooden pathways, abundant wild medicinal herbs, fungi, rare flowers, and shrubs abound, with the occasional squirrel darting across, evoking a sense of simplicity, mystery, and returning to nature. Wandering through the sea of trees, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the stunning views, one feels as if in a fairyland on earth... Due to its high latitude, early frost period, and intense frost, the red leaf spectacle in Jinlongshan had already begun to emerge by the end of September: the initial red hues of the leaves dotting the forest highlighted the park’s delicate beauty, offering a uniquely charming style.
Along the ascent, each group had to complete environmental projects such as litter collection and birdhouse building. From seniors in their seventies to toddlers just two years old, every participant showed unprecedented enthusiasm, putting their love for nature and commitment to environmental protection into action. While climbing toward the main peak, team members worked together to select suitable spots and carefully built bird nests in the trees without harming the ecological environment. “Jinlongshan is home to many precious bird species. With such significant natural damage nowadays, we hope that even our small efforts can provide these birds with a warm home.”
Upon reaching the viewing platform at the main peak, the environmental task “Eco Fashion Show” brought the event’s atmosphere to a climax. Each team used identical eco-friendly materials such as waste newspapers, colored ribbons, and trash bags to unleash their creativity and design skills, crafting and presenting a fashion piece within a limited time frame. Each work was given an environmental theme, highlighting the importance of ecological and environmental protection. In an instant, the main peak viewing platform turned into an impromptu forest “runway,” featuring family teams, parent-child duos, and couples—among them, several creative and design talents shone brightly. A duo of elderly couples in their sixties gave a couple’s fashion performance, their polished act energizing the atmosphere. Their joyful laughter echoed through the quiet valley, attracting many hikers to pause and join our environmental activity. Meanwhile, the specially designed “Drum Bouncing Ball” segment, aimed at fostering teamwork, tightly united a group of strangers. A large drum tied with over ten ropes was rhythmically pulled by participants to keep a volleyball bouncing—the longer it stayed in the air, the more the team won. The passionate focus and energy of everyone on-site felt less like a competition and more like a united mission.
The “31 Forests Star Journey” is the first major event launched by Subaru Auto (China) Co., Ltd., based on its “Forest Ecological Protection Project,” to promote the concept of forest conservation. Subaru combines its natural ecological protection philosophy with its SUV models, known as “experts in long-distance travel,” to build an “eco-travel” platform. This allows all car owners to connect with nature through journeys to the “31 Forests,” experience the joy of forests, and awaken awareness of protecting green woodlands during their travels.
After the conclusion of the second-season Harbin stop of the “31 Forests Star Journey,” all participating Subaru car owners and guests expressed that through this event, they gained a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, achieving the original intent of Subaru to share the joy of travel. Through this environmental experience, they gained a deeper understanding of forest conservation and a stronger sense of long-term responsibility. They hope to have more opportunities in the future, carrying a heart of public good and dreams for protecting nature and cherishing the environment, to set forth once again.