On the Yuping Peak of Huangshan Mountain, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site located in Huangshan city in East China's Anhui province, stands a nearly 1,000-year-old iconic pine tree. On one side, its branches resemble an outstretched arm welcoming visitors, hence its name Yingkesong, or the Guest-Greeting Pine.

Hu Xiaochun, the 19th guardian of the pine, a position established in 1981 to ensure round-the-clock protection, diligently carries out his daily work. He meticulously inspects the tree's trunk for stability, checks the branches' condition and ensures the support frames are intact. In adverse weather conditions, he increases his patrols to maintain the tree's welfare.

Hu, an army veteran, started working at the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area as a fireguard in 2006. In 2011, he became the 19th guardian of the pine, a role he has faithfully fulfilled for 15 years.

Hu is the longest serving guardian of the tree so far, spending over 300 days a year on the mountain, closely monitoring the tree's growth and documenting changes.

"Protecting the lush mountains and lucid waters is akin to protecting our families. I am just one of many guardians of Huangshan working collectively to preserve its natural splendor," he said.

In his modest workspace adjacent to the pine, Hu has penned more than 90 diaries totaling over 1.4 million Chinese characters, detailing the tree's flowering seasons, budding times, needle replacements and emergency response plans for harsh weather conditions.

Drawing inspiration from the tree's resilience, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and dedication in his role as guardian.

While his work might seem solitary, Hu said he has robust technical support behind him. This interdisciplinary team, including experts in forestry and mechanics, conducts regular check-ups on the pine, providing technical guidance for his daily patrols and protection efforts.

Beyond safeguarding the pine tree, Hu recognizes the significance of preserving Huangshan's ancient trees and ecological resources.

"We are, at the best of times, witnessing the significant transformation brought about by the concept that 'lush mountains and lucid waters are invaluable assets'," he said, adding that it is the combined efforts made by himself, his colleagues and the expert team that have intricately woven a protective net for ecological conservation in the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area to ensure that every visitor can experience its unique beauty.

His professional dedication earned him the title of "Good Samaritan of China" in 2021.

In 2023, Hu was elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), another role he has embraced with diligence.

In order to fulfill his duties, Hu studied the people's congress system, conducted numerous on-site surveys among local residents and actively engaged with tourists to listen to their opinions and suggestions regarding economic and social development.

Advocating for enhanced ecological conservation efforts at Huangshan, he has put forth suggestions on environmental protection and eco-compensation measures. By engaging with local communities and visitors, Hu seeks to amplify their voices and contribute to the region's sustainable development.

At the first session of the 14th NPC in 2023, Hu proposed intensifying ecological conservation efforts in the Huangshan Nature Reserve, including suggestions concerning ecological compensation.

Based on extensive feedback from the public, he has also submitted an array of suggestions to NPC sessions on eco-civilization development in the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area to support Huangshan city in establishing a national base for foreign affairs activities, and on introduction of enrollment standards for kindergarten teachers. His suggestions received responses from relevant authorities.

"The Guest-Greeting Pine is an important symbol of Chinese culture, embodying the excellent qualities of warmth, hospitality, openness and inclusiveness of the Chinese nation. As a 'living relic,' it carries profound cultural significance," said Hu.

"As a guardian of the pine and an NPC deputy, it is my responsibility to actively protect the pine tree and promote the Chinese culture carried by the tree and Huangshan."

Huangshan Mountain in East China's Anhui province and a deputy to the National People's Congress, goes about his work. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Wang Ping and Zhang Weiqi contributed to this story.