Southwest China's Sichuan province announced 122 first-class ancient trees and famous trees this year. Among the newly-added names, 108 belong to Jian'ge, a county which originated in the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC). 

Old trees remain standing in Jian'ge county, Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

According to regulations, trees older than 500 years are classified as first-class ancient trees; famous trees refer to those that are rare, valuable, or have historical value and commemorative significance.

To date, Jian'ge has 7,626 first-class ancient trees, of which 17 are famous ones.

From the 1950s on, the county conducted several census listings towards the trees, and established graphic electronic files by collecting GPS coordinates, tree height, crown width, tree age and other information.

In addition, efforts have been made to guarantee the trees’ scientific rehabilitation and rescue based on syndrome differentiation.

The document “Regulations of Jianmen Shudao Protection,” which will come into effect on Jan 1, next year, will put old trees protection on a regular basis.

The document stipulates, for example, that first-level old cooper trees are supposed to be equipped with lightning shielding devices. They should have a protection area 50 meters in diameter centered on their trunks, and it is forbidden to carry out activities other than safeguarding measures within the area.