HUNAN, China: In many parts of the world, indiscriminate deforestation is a major environmental problem. But at least one Chinese province is working hard to plant trees and shrubs, to restore and expand the natural environment.
Workers spent two months landscaping the entrance to a lake attraction in Hunan's Zhangjiajie National Park.
As a native of the city, Zhang Mingzhu is especially proud of his work.
His name "Mingzhu" means "bright pearl", a reflection of the natural beauty that abounds here.
He said, "I feel very happy as we have successfully completed the task assigned by the government to beautify Zhangjiajie. We hope it can be known worldwide as a beautiful and scenic city."
Zhangjiajie was established just 17 years ago.
City planning was haphazard at the start, but the local government is now focusing on layout and development.
Annually, Zhangjiajie hosts the International Forest Protection Festival to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.
To protect their rich natural resources, the city has embarked on a policy of reforestation, prevention of forest fires and relocation of thousands of people who used to live among the mountains.
The primeval forests around Zhangjiajie gave China's its first national park.
Named a World Heritage Site, the huge expanse of land costs a lot to maintain.
Zhu Guojun, Deputy Secretary, Zhangjiajie City, said, "Besides funds from the government, we also invest a large proportion of our tourism earnings in the protection of the ecosystem and forests."
Local officials have an action plan to turn more of their forest reserves into eco-tourism destinations.
Attractions like Huangrong Cave were developed by drawing on investments from business partners throughout China.
And the city is keen to tap more investors to pump in close to US$4 billion over the next five years.
If that target is reached, Zhang Mingzhu can be assured his wish for a world famous home town will be fulfilled