As many as 1,300 ancient trees, many of which are over 1,000 years old, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, have been listed and will be put under strict protection, according to sources with the provincial forestry department.
The aged trees, mainly comprising lacebark pines, firs and cloves, are not only natural resources but are also rare historical relics that can vividly reflect the environmental evolution and social changes, experts said.
In Huangling county, a 5000-year-old cypress, said to be planted by Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), a legendary founder of the Chinese nation, has attracted a large number of visitors.
In Yan'an, the bedrock of the Chinese revolution, a white pear tree grafted by late Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong more than 50 years ago has grown 10 meters high and now is still very exuberant.
Special signs will be hung up on the trees to make people aware of their historical importance, forestry department officials said, adding anyone caught damaging the trees will face serious punishment.
(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2001)
