Back to the early 50s when the People’s Republic of China just founded, forest coverage rate stood at 8.6%. Eco-environment was destroyed by years of wars.

In 1956, the Communist Party of China called upon the Chinese people to commit to “Making Green the Motherland.”

Yuexi area in South China’s Guangdong Province answered the call and set up a “green shield” – coast oaks – against sandstorms, putting an end to the everlasting suffering.

The same happened to Central China’s Henan Province.

Jiao Yulu, the Second Party Secretary of Lankao County, devoted his energies to leading local residents to plant trees and contend with the poor natural conditions, till the last days of his life.

In 1975, the outcome started to reveal, sandstorm blocked, underground water preserved and crops thriving.

Chinese President Xi Jinping honored the Spirit of Jiao Yulu, suggesting it encourages today’s eco-environmental protection just as well.

China beat any other countries in bringing up forest coverage for the past 70 years. The achievement has inspired many Chinese artists.

One of them is Guan Shanyue. He was amazed by the contrast of his hometown – Guangdong’s Yuexi coastal area.

He painted the forest there with ink and wash, and named it “Green Great Wall.”

China’s forest coverage rate has climbed to 23.04%, and is still growing.

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