Fuzhou City, the capital of southeast China’s Fujian Province, is affectionately known as the City of the Banyan Tree. This verdant identity dates back nearly nine centuries to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). During that time, the city grappled with frequent flooding and oppressive summer heat, challenging the comfort and well-being of its residents.
In response, the visionary local governor, Zhang Boyu, embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the city’s landscape. Driven by the idea that the city should be so lush that parasols would not be needed in summer, he encouraged every family to plant the resilient banyan tree. This initiative aimed to cloak the city in greenery, providing shade and mitigating the harsh climate.
The community embraced this vision, and over time, the banyan tree became an integral part of Fuzhou’s identity. The sprawling canopies of these majestic trees not only offered relief from the heat but also enhanced the city’s natural beauty, making it a place where nature and urban life harmoniously coexist.
Today, visitors to Fuzhou can stroll through streets lined with ancient banyans, experiencing the legacy of Governor Zhang Boyu’s forward-thinking environmental stewardship. The city’s commitment to greenery continues to be a source of pride and a testament to the enduring relationship between its residents and the natural world.
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Live: An aerial view of China's Fuzhou, the City of the Banyan Tree
cgtn.com
