STORY: Ancient tree protection turns China's Liuzhou into eco-friendly tourist attraction  
DATELINE: Aug. 16, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:01
LOCATION: LIUZHOU, China
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of ancient trees in Liuzhou
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TANG LIN, Staffer of Liuhou Park
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HUANG PING, Cadre of Huanjiang Village in Liuzhou
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HE ZHENZHONG, Deputy director of Natural Resources Bureau of Chengzhong District, Liuzhou City

STORYLINE:

Liuzhou, a city in the lush region of Guangxi in south China, has found a way to balance the conservation of its ancient trees and the development of its tourism industry.
 
The city has documented each of its ancient trees and applied scientific methods to restore their health. It has also built ancient tree parks and developed eco-tourism around them.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TANG LIN, Staffer of Liuhou Park
"Liuhou Park in Liuzhou City, as one of the key parks in China, was founded in 1906. Many trees were planted at that time, and have become registered ancient trees.
To take care of these ancient trees, we check them thoroughly every month and trim their dead or dry branches regularly. We also fertilize them in spring and autumn every year to boost their health and growth. This helps their roots get more nutrients."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HUANG PING, Cadre of Huanjiang Village in Liuzhou
"There are more than 100 century-old trees in Huanjiang Village, and the oldest one is a 550-year-old Longan tree. All of these ancient trees are well-protected in the village. The villagers cherish and respect the old trees in their village. They treasure the ancient trees around their houses, and build their houses and roads without harming or moving them. Our village has become a tourist attraction, with villagers offering homestays and farmhouses, as well as bike rentals."
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HE ZHENZHONG, Deputy director of Natural Resources Bureau of Chengzhong District, Liuzhou City
"The city prioritizes ecological preservation while developing industries, and a sound eco-environment has in turn promoted the city's economic growth."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Liuzhou, China.
(XHTV)