Experts from media outlets and embassies in Beijing were invited to a tree-planting activity in Beijing's suburb. RORY COEN takes us to Cherry Valley for more.  

As a Chinese saying goes, "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." And in Cherry Valley, that sentiment couldn't be more true. This year's tree-planting activity isn't just a bonding one for foreigners in China, but also allows participants to be in touch with nature.

RUZIE SYLEMAN JOURNALIST, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL "I like it, because with this kind of event, you can touch the nature, and you have a chance to experience when you know how much effort you need to plant one tree, how much care you have to take of it, then for sure you will know them for a reason for future."

Beijing has been encouraging tree planting activities and environmental protection in recent years. According to the Bureau of Parks and Woods, tree coverage accounted for 43% of Beijing's area in 2017. This year, over 1 million people from different fields and countries already took part in such activities, in order to protect the living environment.

RUZIE SYLEMAN JOURNALIST, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL "With the event, you can show and teach the people to protect our environment, because we live in the big cities, we don't have time to touch the nature, with this kind of event, you’ll have chance to know more about the nature, and with this you'll start to protect the nature, if I have a second chance, I will come again, it's a big pleasure to being here."

The Second Secretary from Royal Embassy of Cambodia was also present at the event. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia.

SOS SOVANNY SECOND SECRETARY, ROYAL EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA "This is my first time participating in this kind of tree planting activities. With this opportunity, we can pay more attention to the nature and environmental protection. This year is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China. Leaders of both countries often visit each in recent years, and we also hope that the peoples from both sides have more and better opportunities to learn from each other, as well as promote communication and interaction."

Environmental protection is the common aspiration for all. And activities like this one will be opportunities to witness the friendship between China and other countries, as well as to build a better earth for the future.