Beijing to build 100 gardens, villages for ancient trees by 2030

Beijing plans to build 100 habitat gardens and villages over the next five years to protect its ancient and notable trees, according to an action plan issued by the Beijing Greening Commission. 

Having served as the capital for dynasties like the Ming and Qing, the city still boasts tens of thousands of century-old trees, the oldest of which is around 3,500 years old.

The plan sets out four major initiatives covering improvements to the protection and management system, more targeted conservation, technology-driven innovation, and the preservation and creative use of ancient-tree culture.

By 2030, Beijing aims to establish a standardized database of ancient and notable trees and create 10 ecological and cultural landmarks centered on ancient trees in the old city, besides building 100 ancient-tree habitat gardens and villages. The city also plans to carry out preventive protection and restoration work on more than 3,000 trees and collect and preserve genetic resources from 100 rare and endangered ancient trees.

To reduce the risk of trees falling during extreme weather, the plan calls for improved emergency protection mechanisms. Inspections will focus on trees in busy areas, including roadsides, parks and scenic spots, as well as trees at high risk of falling due to internal trunk decay, leaning trunks or an imbalance between roots and crowns. The city will also expand public participation through tree-adoption programs, encouraging public-interest organizations, social groups and residents to help protect ancient trees.

Beijing has also launched its third citywide survey of ancient and notable trees. The expanded survey will include trees in nature reserves and assess their numbers, locations, growth conditions and protection status.

Over the next five years, the city will carry out preventive protection and restoration work on more than 3,000 trees, with tailored plans for weakened and endangered specimens. Measures will include improving paved areas around trees and addressing problems such as cables passing through trunks.

The plan also calls for a tiered tree healthcare system and an "Internet Plus ancient tree healthcare" service model, combining online and offline diagnosis. Beijing will upgrade its smart management platform and explore the use of artificial intelligence to assess tree health, identify safety risks and develop restoration measures.