Ancient jujube forest flourishes at Ningxia park

A natural park with one of the world's largest and oldest jujube forests allows residents in Lingwu, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, to enjoy pastoral scenery while tickling their taste buds.

Its broad collection of jujube trees and its germplasm resource bank also contribute to scientific research and better preservation of the plant.

Built in 2009, the Lingwu World Jujube Trees Expo Park has 4,167 jujube trees. About 62 percent of them are ancient, with the oldest being 277 years old.

People of all ages can enter the park and observe the trees, eat jujubes and exercise free of charge. More than 100,000 tourists have visited since its opening in 2010.

Zou Xuanxuan, an 8-year-old from Qinghai province, was excited as he picked jujubes off the ground at the park. With one bite, his mouth was filled with fruit juice.

His mother, Zhao Meng, said the fruit in the park tastes better than those found at the supermarket, and the color is more enticing.

Zou Sanshan, her husband, said: "The management is also good, and the park has a clean and tidy environment. There are areas available for people to enjoy leisure activities and exercise. This is a window to showcase the most beautiful ecological landscapes of Lingwu."

Years ago, an impoverished village occupied the land where the park is now. In 2008, Lingwu relocated 1,922 families living among the ancient jujube trees and resettled them in residential areas featuring better infrastructure.

"The city has become green and beautiful thanks to the trees, and the existence and roots of the trees have become symbols of the city's spirit and its historical significance," said Kang Zijun, director of the city's urban landscape greening and maintenance center. "The park has a natural oxygen environment and has provided the best leisure, entertainment and fitness facilities for the residents of Lingwu."