An aerial view shows the Qingshan Lake National Forest Park in Lin'an district, Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]

Zhejiang province's forestry sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, with total industry output value rising from approximately 501.9 billion yuan ($72.19 billion) in 2020 to approximately 724.6 billion yuan ($104.23 billion) in 2025.

Despite accounting for only around 2 percent of China's total forest land, Zhejiang contributes 6.6 percent of the nation's forestry industry output. In several key mountainous counties, more than half of local farmers' income now comes from forestry-related activities.

Forestry-driven integration of ecology and industry has become a defining feature. Zhejiang has upgraded 20 major mountain parks, with investment in key construction projects reaching 10.1 billion yuan in 2025 alone.

Rising visitor numbers at these parks have boosted sales of local specialty products. In Yueqing, for example, development centered on Yandang Mountain has combined forest wellness programs with diversified tourism offerings, helping shift the area from sightseeing-based tourism to a more comprehensive destination.

Zhejiang has set clear targets for the sector. By 2030, the province aims to keep forest coverage above 58 percent and raise total forestry industry output to 1 trillion yuan.