The Dunhuang Research Academy showcased 23 mural paintings to mark the National Tree Planting Day on March 12. The artworks narrate the stories of trees in ancient China. According to a mural painting from Mogao Cave 296, the tradition of planting trees dates back to the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581).
Tree and Deerlet, from Western Wei Dynasty(535-556)[Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Meditating in the Mountain, from Western Wei Dynasty [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Buddha Shakjamuni during Preach, from Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618) [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Observing Farming Under the Tree, from Northern Zhou Dynasty [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Born Under the Tree, from Five Dynasties (907-960) [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
A double tree shrine, from Northern Liang period (397-439) [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Constructing Pavilions and Planting Trees, Northern Zhou Dynasty [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Drawing Water and Drinking Water, Sui Dynasty [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Weeping Willows and Bamboos, Western Wei Dynasty [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Nine-Color Deer, Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386-534) [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]
Caisson, Northern Liang period (397-439) [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]