Over 1,700 minister-ranking government officials have planted 20,340 trees in Beijing over the past 10 years, according to China's National Afforestation Committee (NAC).

On Saturday, 197 minister-ranking officials from the central departments planted over 2,800 trees in Beijing's suburban district.

By the end of last year, volunteers have planted 58.9 billion trees since the government first encouraged nationwide participation in tree-planting efforts in 1981.

Further, officials report that vegetation coverage in urban areas rose to 38.22 percent last year from 10.1 percent in 1981. The average vegetation for each urban resident has increased from 3.45 square meters in 1981 to 10.66 square meters.

Government officials have played a leading role and have set an example in the nationwide afforestation campaign, said NAC officials in a statement.