A rare tree forest in Jiande city in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

A project to create a forest with over 100 species of rare trees, covering 136 hectares and designed with parks, landscape corridors and exhibition centers, was recently initiated in Jiande city in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

The project, once completed, will play an integrated role in the research and development of rare tree species and the demonstration and promotion of advanced technologies.

It can also generate direct revenue of 220,000 yuan every year ($30,917) and has its storage value to reach 132 million yuan by the time the trees are mature. The project was hence dubbed as a "forest bank".

Zhou Zhenqi, head of the local Shouchang Tree Farm, explained that the 380-square-meter exhibition center will offer visitors first-hand experiences of the characteristics, history, and growing pattern of various rare trees.

The project has attracted investment of 11.25 million yuan and is scheduled to be completed in three years. It will help stabilize the local ecosystem and protect biodiversity, and so play a positive role in boosting the regional economy and coordinating natural resources.

Jiande was one of the first cities in China to be listed as "forest city pioneers" in 2018. It is home to the largest ancient nanmu wood forest in Asia, the largest rare tree planting center in Zhejiang, and has planted over 6,667 hectares of rare trees.