Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, is undergoing a remarkable ecological transformation thanks to a decade-long greening initiative that is gradually turning the city from barren land into a thriving green landscape.
Over the past seven years, hundreds of local residents have joined the effort to plant trees, working tirelessly to cover the land with forests. However, planting millions of trees at altitudes up to 4,000 meters is no easy feat.
"When we first started, the challenges were immense. The mountains around Lhasa are rocky and barren. To plant trees, we had to dig pits amid solid rocks, which was difficult. Even with machines, one person could only dig two or three slightly larger pits each day," said Ma Dawu, project manager at Xizang Wanduo Construction Engineering Company.
Ma's project area was divided into 11 zones, each assigned to 11 to 13 workers. Operating at an average altitude of 3,800 meters, they not only planted trees but also watered and monitored them closely for replacement and disease control.
"Planting trees at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 meters isn't easy. We climbed up mountains every day. We did maintenance work in mornings and evenings because without proper care, all our efforts would be wasted. To ensure higher survival rates, we focused on proper care across all of Lhasa. That’s how the city has become greener and more beautiful year after year," said Mi Jiu, a team leader of Xizang Wanduo Construction Engineering Company.
Lhasa's greening efforts have been implemented in phases. In 2017, Lhasa had some 666,000 hectares of forest, with a forest coverage rate of 19.5 percent and an urban greening rate of 37.7 percent. In 2021, the city officially launched the Northern and Southern Mountain Greening Project.
Today, the urban greening rate has risen to 38.8 percent. The goal is to complete the entire initiative within 10 years, raising the forest coverage rate to 36 percent by 2030.
"To date, 65 protected nurseries have been established. In 2025, we plan to complete afforestation of 13,300 hectares, along with supporting infrastructure projects such as water, electricity, and roads," said Tong Jige, a staff member of the greening command office for the Northern and Southern Mountains Project in Lhasa.
A greener Lhasa is no longer just a vision -- it is steadily becoming a reality.
"There's a park right near our home. After work in the evening, I take my wife and kids for a walk or dance in the park. Life is becoming happier and more fulfilling," said Jigme Rigdzin, a local resident.
Afforestation efforts create a green city in Lhasa
