Picking up flowers and leaves to 'live virtual'

The trend of picking flowers and leaves is popular among young people recently. (Photo: Phuong Tali) — The trend of picking flowers and leaves is being loved by young people recently.

Recently, places like parks and zoos have attracted more attention on social networks in a very interesting way. Besides immersing themselves in nature or admiring adorable animals, young people also come here to "catch the trend" of flowers and leaves.

Specifically, they will collect flowers, leaves and other fallen things and then creatively display them according to their wishes and preferences. Some arrange them and take pictures, others press them into specimens to be able to preserve them.

The trend is said to have originated from jiǎn qiū (picking up autumn), a way for Chinese people to reconnect with nature and look forward to the coming time.

Traditionally, jiǎn qiū referred to the act of farmers collecting leftovers from the fields. Later, the phrase began to mean an experiential activity for city dwellers. When the temperature dropped, people would go to parks and other outdoor areas to collect fallen leaves, fruits, and other natural objects.

Flowers and leaves of many colors were found.

Picking flowers and leaves offers an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and interact directly with nature. In particular, the trend also contributes to stimulating creativity, combining art and science to develop thinking as well as gain more inspiration.

Meanwhile, many bloggers also choose this topic to create content, such as making videos introducing common plant species that can be encountered, ways to raise awareness about potential risks when touching poisonous species, instructions on making handicrafts from leaves and plants, etc.

It turns out that what seemed like a waste is actually so beautiful. (Photo: The Paper) — Turns out, what seems to be discarded is actually so beautiful.

The popularity of the trend has even boosted local tourism. Some parks and eco-tourism areas have become more popular with young people. Many social media platforms have also held competitions to encourage players to upload their own collections. While it may be a temporary trend, it is a fun way for people to get away from the digital world and enjoy a breath of fresh air.