(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

On August 15, the 2nd National Ecological Day, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced that the province has constructed over 20,000 kilometers of roads shaded by trees.

Cities across the province have created their beloved tree-lined roads by planting camphor, ginkgo or silk trees, providing popular spots to escape the summer heat. For example, the Beijing West Road and Mausoleum Road in Nanjing are known for their Oriental plane trees lining both sides. Camphor trees flank Taihu West Road in Wuxi and Huqiu Road in Suzhou, both attracting residents and tourists for photo opportunities and leisure.

In addition to tree-lined roads, Jiangsu has also expanded its public green spaces for residents. According to the department, Jiangsu has 9 national-level ecological garden cities, the highest number in the country. To date, the province has established 1,811 urban parks and over 2,500 pocket parks for public enjoyment.

The department is currently revising its urban green space planning outline. The update will align with spatial land planning and related specialized plans, emphasizing the integration of green spaces and enhancing their ecological, social, and service functions.