Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, proudly bears the nickname \"Rongcheng,\" meaning \"The City of the Banyan Tree.\" This charming title dates back nearly nine centuries to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
During this era, Fuzhou faced frequent flooding and scorching summer heat. In response, the visionary local governor, Zhang Boyu, sought to transform the city into a more livable environment. Embracing the philosophy that \"the city should be verdant, and no parasols should be needed in summer,\" he implemented policies encouraging every household to plant resilient banyan trees.
This collective effort not only mitigated the oppressive climate but also gave Fuzhou its enduring name. Today, the banyan trees continue to adorn the city's landscape, symbolizing its rich history and commitment to sustainability.
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Live: An aerial view of China's Fuzhou, the City of the Banyan Tree
cgtn.com
