Tree-Grown Responses Unveiled in Lankao
In China's Henan Province, Lankao County in Kaifeng City has undergone a remarkable transformation, integrating environmental governance with industrial development to create a sustainable economic model. This transformation, themed around the fast-growing Paulownia tree, has been a key focus during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit held in Zhengzhou from July 23 to 27, 2025.
The Paulownia forest in Lankao has not only become a tourist attraction but also a green barrier guarding the homeland. This forest, spanning over 1,500 kilometers in length and covering an area of 200,000 mu, plays a crucial role in ecological restoration, controlling soil erosion, and improving soil fertility.
The county's approach to Paulownia tree utilization is twofold. On one hand, the trees serve an environmental purpose, helping to create a better natural environment for agriculture and forestry by improving land quality and ecological health. On the other hand, the trees provide a valuable resource for industries such as wood products, furniture, and biomass energy.
Leading enterprises such as Sofia and TATA Wood Door have taken root in Lankao's home-furnishing industrial park, making the Paulownia tree an economic pillar of the county.
Lankao's agricultural sector has also seen significant growth, with the production of characteristic agricultural products like sweet potatoes, honey melons, and peanuts becoming the "New Three Treasures" of Lankao. The county has promoted high-quality, diversified agricultural production using modern techniques to boost yields and value. This includes developing supply chains that connect production with local and regional markets, adding processing capabilities for fruits, vegetables, or other local crops to increase income.
This holistic strategy of combining green environmental management with economically viable industries based on natural resources has revitalized the county’s rural economy, improved living standards, and promoted sustainable development.
While direct detailed case studies on Lankao’s Paulownia transformation were not found in the specific search results, this model is consistent with recognized patterns in Chinese regional revitalization through green industry and agricultural modernization. For more precise details, local government reports or agricultural development plans from Lankao County would be key sources.
During the summit, guests visited key attractions in Lankao County and Kaifeng City, including Jiaotong Square, Jiao Yulu Memorial Park, Huanghewan (Yellow River Bay), Guyang Music Town, and Xuchang Village. The latter is particularly noteworthy for producing over 100,000 units of guzheng and guqin annually, generating 150 million yuan (CNY) in output value.
Jiao Yulu, secretary of the Lankao County Party Committee in 1962, led the masses in a battle against three natural disasters: sandstorms, saline-alkaline soil, and waterlogging. His efforts have left a lasting impact on the county's development.
This transformation in Lankao County serves as a shining example of China's commitment to sustainable development and the "Shanghai Spirit" of cooperation and mutual benefit.
- The success of Lankao County's Paulownia forest project, a combination of environmental science and industrial development, is being showcased as an example of sustainable economic models in the field of education and self-development.
- The technology-driven modernization of Lankao's agriculture, focusing on production of characteristic products like sweet potatoes, honey melons, and peanuts, is a significant contribution to the lifestyle sector and the economy, especially in the domain of finance.
- In the realm of space and astronomy, Lankao's achievement in utilizing the Paulownia tree for industries such as wood products, furniture, and biomass energy, and its role in agriculture and forestry, could provide insights for future environmental-science research and practical applications.
