The ancient trees in the Cuiyun Corridor in Jiange, Sichuan province, have weathered the slings and arrows of history and of countless seasons. WEI YUNHUI/FOR CHINA DAILY

Jianmen Shu Road (Cuiyun Corridor) in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, has claimed the 2025 Global Sustainable "Earth Home" Example Award, becoming China's first recipient of this international honor.

The accolade was announced by the Organizing Committee of the United Nations 80th Anniversary Celebrations. The committee was jointly established by the United Nations Environment Programme, non-governmental organizations affiliated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council – including the International Academy of Ecology and Life Protection Sciences, and other UN-related bodies.

The purpose of the award is to recognize regions excelling in the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting "harmony between humans and nature".

Following rigorous evaluation by former UN officials and global environmental experts, the corridor stood out for its centuries-long, systematic conservation practices.

Stretching over 150 kilometers, the site boasts the world's best-preserved ancient post road, with 20,391 cypress trees aged over 100 years. It has inherited Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) protection systems like "official and public logging bans" while also developing modern mechanisms: digital identity records for each tree, dedicated daily patrols, and tailored scientific rescue plans.

This win serves as an international recognition of China's efforts in ecological civilization and cultural heritage preservation. It also boosts the corridor's global influence, offering a valuable Chinese model for balancing historical preservation, ecological sustainability and regional green development.