A glorious panoramic view of the Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve in Lin'an district. [Photo/WeChat account: linanfabu]

A media group on Sept 12 visited Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve — located in the Lin'an district of Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province — to see an extraordinary sight.

It's home to the world's biggest ancient cryptomeria forest — over 500 trees, each older than 500 years, including the "King Tree" which is a whopping 31 meters high.

The reserve — known for being a gene bank containing an estimated 10,462 species — is also rich in rare trees such as the gingko tree, the Chinese sweetgum and a record-breaking 58-meters tall golden larch.

Its continued existence is assured by the Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve Regulation, which was issued by the Zhejiang Provincial Government. Effective Oct 1, 2024, this strengthened its protection while supporting local livelihoods.

Villages around the reserve now thrive on eco-tourism, agritainment and specialty farming, with eco-tourism alone drawing 1.69 million visitors and generating 181 million yuan ($25.44 million) in 2024.

What's more, digital monitoring and research — including disease surveillance and ancient tree studies — are further boosting conservation.

Looking ahead, those operating the reserve aim to expand eco-tourism and green industries, making lucid waters and lush mountains truly invaluable assets.

Evocative time travelers: The centuries-old gingko trees in Lin'an. [Photo/WeChat account: linanfabu]