Hebei province will enforce a new regulation on the protection of ancient and famous trees on July 1, replacing a previous measure from 2014, according to the provincial government.

The 38-article regulation, approved on May 11, aims to strengthen ecological conservation and preserve traditional culture. It defines ancient trees as those at least 100 years old, excluding trees in commercial timber plantations. Famous trees are those with significant historical, cultural, scientific, landscape, or memorial value.

A tiered protection system sets first-level protection for trees 500 years or older, second-level for those 300 to 499 years, and third-level for those 100 to 299 years. All famous trees receive first-level protection regardless of age. A protection zone for them normally extends 5 meters beyond the vertical projection of a tree crown, or a connecting line for clusters, with flexibility when space is restricted.