This portrays 500 heroes of the frost practising Buddhism peacefully in the forest. They were abused and their eyes gauged out by officers after they were defeated in the uprising, and then they met a Buddhist who helped them end their sufferings. [Photo/Dunhuang Research Academy]

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).