In Xi's footsteps: Achieving harmony with nature (4)

President Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to ecological conservation. Following in his footsteps across China, let's explore his vision of harmony between humanity and nature.

"A strategy crucial for a millennium to come (referring to the building of Xiong'an New Area) starts with the 'millennium forest project'," Xi said during his inspection of an afforestation site of Xiong'an in North China's Hebei province, on Jan 16, 2019.

As the "city of the future", Xiong'an New Area was established in 2017 and — the same year — the "millennium forest" afforestation project began. "Plant green first, then build the city" is the development concept Xi set for the new area.

During the visit, Xi emphasized that the highest standard of life is represented by a good environment with blue skies, clear water and green trees.

Xiong'an is destined to become a highly livable place, given its natural conditions and ongoing efforts, he said, adding that it should embody its values and enhance its attraction with its high-quality environment.

The new area had planted about 483,000 mu (32,200 hectares) of forest by the end of 2025, raising the forest coverage rate from 11% to 35.1%.