Sustainable development calls for a long-term plan to protect the environment. In Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the "grain-for-green" program has gone a long way to preserve the unique local landscape.  

The area boasts a rich diversity of tourism resources, ranging from mesmerizing destinations such as Jiuzhaigou National Park to unique ethnic folk culture, but it also retains animals and plants that have long been extinct in other parts of the world, like giant pandas and davidia involucrate (also known as the dove tree or ghost tree).  

The grasslands in Aba are vast and the snow-capped mountains and rivers are magnificent. The complex landforms, interlaced valleys, and diverse climates constitute a unique environment. Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture is noted as one of the best destinations for ecotourism in the world.  

Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of plateau scenery, as well as experience local Tibetan culture. The number of tourists has been increasing steadily over the past few years.  

According to Xinhua, the scenic area has received 417,500 visitors and raked a revenue of 184 million yuan (about 26 million U.S. dollars) from 2016 to May 2020. By taking part in the local tourism industry, 113 households got out of poverty between 2017 and 2019.   

(With input from China Daily)  

(Cover: View of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan Province. /VCG)