Yulin's green revolution

The Fugu section of the Yellow River. [Photo/Yulin Daily] 

A visit to Zhangjiayan village on the west bank of the Yellow River in Mazhen town, Shenmu, Yulin, reveals a flourishing landscape adorned with Mongolian pines, Chinese arborvitae, and maple trees. This area is part of the Three North Shelterbelt Program and serves as a pilot site for developing protective forests along the Yellow River. 

Shenmu has transformed 98 kilometers of exposed slopes along the river's west bank into a picturesque corridor, planting over 2 million trees, including Mongolian pines, Chinese arborvitae, crabapples, maples, and Rosa xanthina. 

"The banks of the Yellow River have become increasingly verdant over the years, attracting tourists year-round," said Zhang Dazhi, a local villager, with a smile. "We've planted red dates on the hills and run homestays, creating multiple income streams. We can earn a living without leaving home." 

In recent years, Shenmu has focused on developing soil and water conservation forests, water source conservation forests, and specialty economic forests along the river and its tributaries. The city is crafting a healthy green corridor along the Yellow River by adopting a planting model that integrates trees, shrubs, and grasses and combines coniferous and broadleaf species. 

Situated at the southern edge of the Maowusu Desert, Yulin plays a pivotal role in Shaanxi's ecological transformation efforts along the Yellow River. This year, the city has launched 10 major ecological projects, including desertification control and afforestation, intending to green and plant 1.89 million mu (126,000 hectares).