Residents hug a 120-year-old tree as Wuhan launches a campaign to protect ancient trees

In Wuhan, central China, residents gathered in a city park to greet a very special neighbor – a Chinese hackberry tree that has stood there for 120 years.

On March 11, 10 residents visited Guishan Park to hug the towering tree and offer their good wishes. The gathering marked the launch of a new city campaign inviting residents to hug and care for Wuhan's ancient trees, encouraging people to connect with and help protect the city's oldest living landmarks.

The tree itself stands along a ridge path in the park. Standing around 28 meters tall, it has a trunk circumference of 3.6 meters – so wide that four adults linking arms are needed to encircle it. To safeguard the century-old giant, park managers have built a protective ring around its base and installed support lines among the branches.

As part of the event, a senior engineer from a local garden and forestry research institute introduced visitors to the science behind the ancient trees, explaining how experts estimate their age and read the clues hidden in growth rings. Participants then took turns embracing the tree – some alone, others joining hands to wrap their arms around the massive trunk while offering quiet words of blessing.

Guishan has eight registered ancient trees. They are often described as the city’s "green relics" – living pieces of natural and cultural heritage.