From barren rock to green legacy: Taishan Mountain's ecological revival

Once plagued by war and disasters, Taishan Mountain's forest coverage had dropped below 2 percent by 1949. A decades-long reforestation effort has since transformed the landscape.

Today, the Taishan Mountain forest spans 180,000 mu (12,000 hectares), with forest coverage soaring to 94.8 percent. It is home to over 18,000 ancient and notable trees, including 1,821 that are over 300 years old. Among them, 23 specimens are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

This remarkable recovery, from nearly barren slopes to a lush ecosystem, highlights China's commitment to ecological restoration. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Taishan Mountain continues to embody the vision that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", contributing to a sustainable legacy.