Nestled in southeast the Chinese mainland's Fujian Province, Fuzhou, the capital, bears the endearing nickname \"Rongcheng,\" which translates to \"The City of the Banyan Tree.\" This moniker traces its roots back nearly nine centuries to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
During that time, the city grappled with frequent flooding and oppressive summer heat, prompting the forward-thinking local governor, Zhang Boyu, to take action. Driven by a vision of creating a more hospitable environment for the citizens, he championed the idea that \"The city should be verdant, and no parasols should be needed in summer.\"
To realize this goal, Governor Zhang implemented policies encouraging every family to plant the resilient banyan tree. Through this concerted effort, Fuzhou earned its renown as \"The City of the Banyan Tree.\" Today, the legacy of these early environmental initiatives continues to shape Fuzhou's urban landscape, making it a vibrant and green metropolis that stands as a testament to sustainable city planning.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
