Zhangjiajie Dismantles Constructions to Protect Natural Scenery

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 ◆ Zhangjiajie Dismantles Constructions to Protect Natural Scenery

A massive dismantling campaign is underway in Zhangjiajie scenic zone, central China's Hunan Province, to restore the natural beauty of this "World Heritage".

Situated in the northwestern part of the province and in the heart of the Wulingyuan Mountains, Zhangjiajie boasts unique, beautiful natural scenery.

In 1982, the State Council approved Zhangjiajie to become the first state forest park in China, and it was put on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1992.

A jumble of polluting commercial and residential constructions congesting the scenic zone however have gradually ruined some of the charm of the famous tourist destination.

After reaching an agreement with the local government, 189 households in Zhangjiajie had moved out from some key scenic spots by the end of last year, which cost some 240 million yuan (nearly 29 million U.S. dollars).

No one is now allowed to chop down trees or put up new buildings within the scenic area, and all current constructions will be completely removed in five years, local officials said.