On March 12, China celebrated its 47th Arbor Day with a special event in Jian’ge County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. The “Shu Road Cuiyun Corridor Ancient Cypress Conservation Handover Ceremony” marked the official transfer of responsibility for protecting over 12,000 ancient and notable trees. Among them, the oldest is a staggering 2,300 years old.
Local officials, forest rangers, and residents gathered to witness the historic moment. The tradition of handing over guardianship of these trees dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Whenever officials were reassigned, they would carefully inspect the ancient cypresses, recording their health and numbers. Today, this practice continues, symbolizing Jian’ge County’s unbroken commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Jian’ge County, located in northern Sichuan, is a treasure trove of history. It lies along an ancient trade route used for over 2,000 years. Known as a “living fossil of ancient land transportation,” the area is rich in cultural relics and historic landmarks.
In 2015, the ancient Shu Road was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. It has since been nominated for both World Natural and Cultural Heritage status. Stretching nearly 300 kilometers through Guangyuan, the Shu Road is famed for its deep historical roots. The Cuiyun Corridor in Jian’ge County is home to the world’s largest and oldest collection of ancient trees planted along an ancient route. Today, 7,803 ancient trees remain, including 7,778 cypresses with an average age of 1,050 years. Their lush canopy creates a magical atmosphere, turning a simple walk into a journey through time.
In recent years, the Shu Road has become a must-visit destination for travelers. On March 13, 82-year-old American explorer Hope Justman visited Jianmen Pass and the Cuiyun Corridor. It was her 25th trip to the area, proof of its enduring appeal.
To protect these ancient trees, local authorities conduct regular health checks. They inspect for decay, clean damaged areas, and perform “minimally invasive surgeries” to save weakened trees. Over the past three years, 2,478 endangered cypresses have been successfully restored.
On March 15, China introduced the Regulations on the Protection of Ancient and Famous Trees, its first national law dedicated to preserving these natural wonders. The new rules were inspired by Jian’ge County’s centuries-old cypress handover tradition, ensuring these giants stand tall for generations to come.
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