Yantai launches an afforestation project to turn the city into a greener, more eco-friendly and livable place. [Photo/WeChat account: yantaifabu]

Yantai in East China's Shandong province plans to afforest an area of 3,538 mu (235.87 hectares) and continue implementing precise management of afforestation and greening, according to an announcement by local authorities on March 12, the 46th National Tree Planting Day.

Preliminary statistics show that nearly 2 million Yantai citizens participate in various forms of volunteer tree planting activities each year. Over 10 million trees are planted annually, with a survival rate of over 90 percent.

In recent years, Yantai has implemented some key greening projects, and a number of national and provincial forest villages and communities have been built across the city. Due to its strong afforestation and greening efforts, Yantai has been awarded the titles of National Green Model City and National Forest City.

Since 2021, Yantai has been scientifically carrying out afforestation, afforesting a total area of 15,114 mu. In 2023, the city afforested an area of 3,825 mu, exceeding the annual target.

The city has also selected comprehensive greening projects. Last year, a total of 15 municipal-level afforestation and greening highlight projects, five forest demonstration towns, and 50 forest demonstration communities were selected, contributing to the steady increase in the city's total forest resources and the continuous improvement of its natural environment.