Qi of the City
A story by Nicole Yu and Betty Woo
Elder Tree: Long ago, a clan of farmers were looking for a place to settle, a place to call home. They found a place where the trees towered and birds sang and settled their village there.
Grandpa: Although the buildings of the village were constructed for stability and sheltering the people, the natural forest behind the village was no different.
In the hot summers it cooled the village, and shielded the village from the heavy storms.
The plants provided medicine, materials, and food for the villagers.
We honored the forest and called it the Feng Shui Wood.
With their protection, the forest stood for centuries through the ages, unwavering through natural disasters and warfare…
Grandpa: Although the clan lived under the protection of the Feng Shui Wood for centuries, the villagers gradually moved away and into the city.
It has been years since I’ve visited the village. But with more time I’ve spent away from the forest, the more I feel something is missing from me…
Ping: When you’re feeling better, Grandpa, I’ll take you there! We can go looking for those Giant Wood Spiders you told me about!
Nurse: *knocks on the door
Visiting hours are over, Ping, time to go! You can come see your grandpa again tomorrow.
Elder Tree: …… It’s been years since a villager has come to visit…
but I still remember the many faces I used to watch over.
But why did you ask me to tell you the history of the forest again, Hong? I thought you’d be tired of hearing these old branches reminisce about the olden days by now.
Hong: Well, you know how you always say the Feng Shui Wood gives us all we need?*points at Qi at chest
And I won’t ever have to leave the forest?
Tree: Yes. Qi is the force of nature that lives and sustains all living beings, connecting us. The forest is strong and shares our Qi. The stronger the forest is, the healthier we are.
Elder tree: My roots haven’t sensed a lot of Qi beyond the Feng Shui Wood in many years. Are you sure?
Hong: I’m a strong bird! Just look at how bright my plumage is! I’ll be fine, Elder, don’t worry.
Elder Tree: *still looks slightly concerned Well alright then, safe journey young one, and be careful!
Hong: *flies off and shouts back to Elder Tree I’ll be back in a jiffy and tell you about everything I see!
Hong: Oh wow, look at all of these tall buildings…
It’s getting warmer…
and harder to breathe…
Hong: *looking down at the busy streets* It’s so loud and noisy… oh yikes what is that smell? How do people live like this??
*distracted by the noise and commotion, Hong nearly crashes into a glass-walled building
Hong: WHAAAA!!! WHO PUT THAT THERE!
*Two pigeons flying by see Hong’s near miss
Pigeon A: Is this your first day in the city? You have to watch where you’re going!
Pigeon B: These “fake sky” buildings are everywhere!
Oh wait, my Qi…oof, I’m feeling a bit weak…
*Hong passes out and crashes into a bush
Hong: Ooo… so many shiny stars…
*Ping, who is just outside the nursing home, sees Hong’s landing and notices Hong sprawled out on the floor. Ping runs up to him and their Qi connect.
* Ping sees Hong is passed out and is alarmed and quickly takes out her phone,
*Hong stirs and speaks
Hong: …what’s with the yapping? Could you please be quiet…
Ping: Hey I’m just trying to help this poor bird –
*realizes there’s no one around but Hong
*Hong and Ping look at each other and panic as realization hits
Hong and Ping: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Hong: You can understand me????
Ping: You can talk??!!!!??!?!
Hong: I’m Hong, I was just resting because my Qi was – Hey! Our Qi is connected!
Ping: Huh? Cheese?
Hong: No! Qi! It’s this life force blue aura thingy that’s like a little cloud that follows us around. Your Qi connected to my Qi and woke me up.
Ping: Uh, I don’t see anything…
Maybe I’ve hit my head?
I can’t believe I’m talking to a bird…
Hong: Just come with me, I’ll take you to Elder Tree. Elder Tree is one of the oldest, wisest Figs around! We’ll be able to get some answers.
Ping: … well, ok, I’ll come with you.
This will be a good story to tell Grandpa during my next visit anyway.
Hong: Elder Tree! Elder Tree! I’m back!
Look who I brought!
*Ping looks up at Elder tree in awe
Hong begins to tell Elder Tree of his adventures…
*Hong recounts the busy traffic he saw and how he almost crashed into a building
Hong: And then I met Ping!
Elder Tree: I see… it seems that people living in the city have lost their connection to nature, there is not enough Qi in their environment so they are unwell.
Hong: Ping, do you not live in the city? How is your Qi so strong?
…since I was young, my grandpa would take me to all of these amazing green spaces tucked away in the city.
He’d spot snakes slithering in the bushes,
show me leaf miners that tunnel into leaves,
and tell me all about the bugs.
Now, he is unwell and cannot go out easily, but he tells me of the forest he used to play in.
I have been going to country parks to have my own adventures and tell him all about it when I visit him.
Ping: Come to think of it, Grandpa’s condition got worse after he moved to the hospital. His Qi must also have gotten weaker… now his memories are faltering and he is too weak to go outside most days. He always says he wishes the trees outside were closer to his window so he could watch some birds.
Hong: Your grandpa needs Qi!
We need to bring Qi back to the City!
Ping: Yes, please help us, Elder Tree. Please share your wisdom so we can make the city better for the people living there!
Elder Tree: Well, young ones, since you ask so politely…
The three discuss their plan together…
Hong and Ping: Let’s get to work!
*Hong guides a bird couple to some birdhouses.
Hong: Welcome to your new home while we wait for the trees to establish! It’s really roomy in there.
*Ping and some community members gently lower a tree into the ground
Ping: There you go, tree! A bigger home for your roots!
Helper A: These trees will be bringing us lovely shade and flowers in no time!
Helper B: And nectar for the insects!
Hong: Come on Ping, we still have to deliver plants!
*Ping is helping move plants on a resident’s balcony
Neighbor A: You can put that last pot there, Ping. Thank you!
Ping: No problem! Thank you for helping us green the city with more balcony gardens!
Neighbor A: Of course! My friends and I are all excited to see what nature we will find on our balconies with these pollinator-friendly plants.
*Hong is introducing the plants to a butterfly
Hong: And here you’ll find some lovely citrus plants!
Swallowtail butterfly: Wow, just what we need to lay our eggs! Thanks Hong!
Gardener A: Thanks for bringing up this community garden idea for the neighborhood, Ping!
Kid A: Ping can I eat these?
Ping: Yes but make sure to leave some for the insects to eat.
*Hong is speaking to a group of ladybugs
Hong: This way, ladybugs, time to look for aphids to feast on!
*Ping is hosting a field trip
Ping: This way for the nature tour!
This is one of the ingredients for the 24 Herbs Tea! You can crumple the leaves and it folds just like fabric.
Visitor: Wow, I didn’t realize leaves could be so variable!
Hong: Ping – I spent the whole day in the city and felt so much Qi!
Ping: So… we’ve brought Qi back to the city!!
Hong and Ping: High five!! *clap*
Ping: Watch your step, Grandpa! We’re almost there.
Grandpa: You don’t have to worry so much, Ping. I feel much better these days!
Ping: This is the tree I was telling you about, who showed me how to bring Qi back!
*Grandpa and Elder Tree look at each other
*Grandpa remembers the adventures he had as a child in the Feng Shui Forest.
Grandpa: I’ve grown so old but you’re still the same, standing strong and looking after us all these years…
Grandpa: Thank you, Elder Tree.
Thank you.
This comic is a tribute to the Elder Trees, Hongs, and Pings of the world – Thank you.
In loving memory of our friend Chun, whose Qi was the strongest of us all.
Native species in the City of Qi
This comic features a few species found in Hong Kong, the city our story is based on.
Chinese Banyan Ficus microcarpa
Chinese Banyans over a century old can be found all across Hong Kong, even in urban areas. Their fruit are food for many native animals, whilst their wide leafy canopy provide shelter and shade for birds and pedestrians alike.
Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
A forest-dwelling bird that can be seen in urban parks. They are known for their vibrantly-colored plumage, where males are dark blue and red whilst females are grey and yellow.
Waxy leaf Breynia fruticosa
A medicinal plant commonly known as “ghost talisman”, named after the squiggly lines leaf miner insects make in the leaves as they burrow into the soft tissue enclosed in the leaf.
WHAT IS ‘NBS’ ABOUT THIS COMIC?
This story beautifully illustrates the principles of nature-based solutions by highlighting the vital connection between humans and the natural world. It explores how nature improves well-being, as seen in the psychological benefits Grandpa gains from reconnecting with green spaces and his cherished memories of the Feng Shui Wood. The narrative challenges the idea of cities as ecologically barren, demonstrating how urban biodiversity—through community gardens, balcony plants, and bird habitats—revitalizes the city’s Qi, or life force. Ultimately, the story emphasizes that by integrating nature into urban life, we can create healthier, more sustainable environments for both humans and wildlife.
