Arxan city in Xing'an League, part of north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is using its extensive forests to promote wellness tourism, as part of an initiative inspired by the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."

One example is Arxan Yangxin Forest Trail, a national-level resort specializing in forest therapy. The 7-kilometer trail follows existing fire prevention and timber transport routes, winding through the city's mountainous terrain and dense woodlands.

The trail has a "one-loop, five-zone" layout. The loop, constructed from sleepers, volcanic stones and pine needles, encircles five distinct zones dedicated to movement therapy, sensory healing, nature education, leisure activities, and yoga and meditation.

Tourists hike at Arxan Yangxin Forest Trail, Arxan city, Xing'an League, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

The camping site at Arxan Yangxin Forest Trail, Arxan city, Xing'an League, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

Arxan boasts a forest coverage rate of 81.2% and a green vegetation rate of 95%, providing what locals describe as a natural cooling system during summer. The area also records an average of 23,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter — a feature that has earned it the moniker "green oxygen bar."

Leveraging these environmental advantages, Arxan has pursued the creation of a high-quality pilot zone for forest carbon sinks in recent years while promoting wellness tourism. Arxan was designated on Nov. 13, 2019, as part of China's third group of innovation bases for putting the "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" concept into practice.

"Arxan has charted a path that achieves a win-win outcome for ecological protection and green development," said Zhao Kuo, deputy director of the Dulaer Nature Reserve administration in Arxan. "We will protect the environment as carefully as one protects their eyes and treat it with the same importance as life itself."

A child relaxes on a nest-like chair at Arxan Yangxin Forest Trail, Arxan city, Xing'an League, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]