As China marks its 48th National Tree Planting Day, the country is harnessing digital technology and artificial intelligence to advance its greening efforts. Official data shows China’s forest area now exceeds 2.4 billion hectares, with forest coverage over 25 percent and stock volume nearing 21 billion cubic metres. The nation is home to roughly 142.6 billion trees, averaging 100 per person, and contributes a quarter of the world’s newly added vegetation.

At the Chinese Academy of Forestry in Beijing, researchers use a digital twin system to virtually navigate forests and provide real-time guidance for planting, ensuring smarter and more effective afforestation. These high-tech methods support both ecological gains and sustainable forestry growth, which reached over 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in output value last year. Ecotourism also thrives, with over 3 billion trips recorded in 2025, highlighting the growing connection between nature and people.

Source: China Central Television