Weary Scenic attractions on Mount Huangshan, located in the southern part of east China’s Anhui Province, will take holidays in turns with the aim of protecting the local ecosystem. This will be the first such move in China.
Since the 1980s, Shixin, Danxia, Lianhua and Tiandu peaks on Mount Huangshan have had alternating holidays, with each given a three-year break during the intermittent period.
Luo Shijun, director of Mount Huangshan Landscape Bureau, said, "During the time-off, experts will take measures to rejuvenate old trees, repair seriously damaged mountain roads with new soil, grass and trees. Some places will have new guard rails installed.”
The Guest-welcoming Pine, a world heritage listed pine tree, on Mount Huangshan is now over 1,300 years old. In order to prolong its life, the landscape bureau has appointed a dedicated member of staff to care for it day and night.
Zhai Xinghui, the protector of the Guest-welcoming Pine, said, "It is my pleasure to observe and record changes in its trunk, skin and pine needles. I will immediately notify the bureau as soon as I find anything wrong with tree and help horticulturists deal with the problem."
Additionally, Zhai will also water the pine, and remind tourists to pay special attention to protecting the pine.
There are 800 renowned trees in Mount Huangshan, of which 103 are over 100 years old. The 54 pine trees on the World Heritage List are all maintained by dedicated staff.
(china.org.cn by Unisumoon November 8, 2002)
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