Rare ‘Beauty Pines’ Thrive in China’s Jilin

In the misty peaks of Jilin Province’s Changbai Mountain range, a botanical superstar is making a comeback: the Pinus sylvestris, nicknamed 'meiren pine' (literally 'beauty pine' in Chinese). Standing tall like nature’s skyscrapers, these endangered trees are now flourishing thanks to decades of conservation efforts.

A Natural Marvel

With trunks soaring up to 30 meters and umbrella-shaped crowns that could rival a parasol from a Studio Ghibli film, these pines are a geographical mutation unique to northern China. Once on the brink of disappearing, their population has grown from 78,000 to over 86,000 since discovery – and about 900 have celebrated their 100th birthdays!

Conservation Wins

Local forestry workers and authorities have transformed the meiren pine’s fate. The oldest known tree, nearly 400 years old, has witnessed dynasties rise and fall. Its survival today symbolizes how targeted protection policies can rewrite the stories of endangered species.

Why it matters: As climate challenges escalate, success stories like this offer hope – and remind us that even ancient giants need a helping hand.

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Rare pine trees thrive in Jilin

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