Fujian family's afforestation success finds voice on stage

Our Hearts Are with the Trees, a Chinese play based on the true story of Huang Zhenfang family's forest farm in Ningde, Fujian province, was staged in Beijing from June 6 to 8, as part of the ongoing 10th edition of China Original Drama Invitation Exhibition.

Ningde is a city located in the northeast part of Fujian, which used to be one of the poverty-stricken areas in the country. The forest farm initiated by the Huang has not only created a unique path to prosperity through forestry but also made outstanding contributions to regional afforestation.

The Chinese play unfolds in three acts: deforestation, afforestation, and forest protection. Centered around the story of the main character, Lin Shougen's lifelong efforts to cultivate and protect forests, the narrative spans more than 40 years and intricately weaves together family relationships — between father and son, husband and wife, brothers, and siblings.

It gathers creative members, including director Lu Ang, and scriptwriters Huang Changyong and Liu Guoping.

Since Ningde is home to people of the She ethnic group, the play also features music and dance of the ethnic group.