An aerial view of a forest in Guangxi's Laibin. [Photo/IC]

Guangxi has built the largest integrated pulp and paper production base in China, centered around Qinzhou, Beihai, and Nanning, announced by Cai Zhongping, director of the Forestry Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, during an Aug 15 press conference.

Guangxi has completed over 3 million mu (200,000 hectares) of afforestation annually for 15 consecutive years. Compared with 2016 figures, the area of rocky desertification land throughout the region has decreased by 7.2 million mu, ranking first in China in terms of desertification reduction. 

The artificial forest area in the region now stands at 134 million mu, ranking first in the country, with an annual wood production of 39 million cubic meters. Guangxi makes up 5 percent of China's forest land, yet it produces 11 percent of the country's camellia seeds, over 40 percent of its timber, and more than 90 percent of its star anise, cinnamon, and turpentine.

Guangxi is now China's largest national forest reserve base, a significant forest chemical product production base, and an important camellia production base. 

Cai added that by 2024, Guangxi will achieve a total output value of 1 trillion yuan in the forestry and grass industry. By 2025, the region will feature a beautiful forest ecology, a strong forestry industry, and thriving ecological culture.