Shanghai is one of several cities in different countries which have applied to host the 2010 World Exposition. One of the aspects of the application is the decision to make Shanghai greener on a systematic basis over the next several years. Likewise, as the host for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing and surrounding areas have taken great efforts to make that region greener. Express ways throughout China are pleasing to drive on because provinces and the country are making the medians and the sides of the roads greener. In other cities which I have visited, I have seen great strides by the cities in making large green areas, and even in taking small areas and filling them with trees, bushes, and flowering plants. In universities I have visited, I have seen a lot of beautiful landscape. These efforts at various levels have made me happy to see how much the Chinese leaders and people value all sorts of green venues throughout the country. It enhances my life in China.
Aesthetically, cities, universities, and road ways are very attractive when they have trees, plants, and vegetation throughout their areas. We know that trees help to make the air cleaner and therefore give us more healthy lives in these environments. Regularly on TV, I see examples of the beautification of Chinese cities and towns by planting trees, bushes, and plants.
Before coming to China, I have lived in Rochester, New York, which was originally called the "flour" city, because so much flour was produced in that region. More recently, it has been called the "flower" city, because of its many parks, mature trees, bushes and flowers. When I bought my now more than 100 year old home, many generations who had lived there before had planted trees, bushes, spring and summer flowers which each year are in blossom and make the property more attractive. There is a sycamore tree near the house that is about 100 years old, and other trees that are perhaps 50--75 years old on the property and nearby. Besides what was planted in the past and grows annually, I have added several hundred spring and summer bulbs or tubers to the property. Each spring and summer, I enjoy the forsythia, bridal wreath, snow balls, tulips, jonquils, daffodils, hyacinths, irises, lilies, gladiolas, and roses which bloom over a two or three month period. All along our streets, other houses enjoy the same beauty from trees, bushes, and flowers. It is possible that I bought the house that I live in primarily because I first saw it for sale in the spring when everything was in blossom.
As my Chinese students often say, in a word, green cities make happy residents and should always be promoted and encouraged.