1,000-year-old tree felled after it was struck by a truck. (Photo/Xinhua)
Officials in north China's Hebei Province have enlisted specialists from the local Agricultural University to rescue a 1,000-year-old tree felled by a truck Monday.
The pagoda tree in Daming County fell over soon after it was struck by the vehicle, said eyewitnesses. The driver fled but was caught by police.
With a height of 12.5 meters and a perimeter of 3.6 meters, the tree was grown during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is believed to be lucky and people from far and wide visit to make wishes.
Many Chinese are crossing their fingers in the hope the tree can be rescued. "Please save it! I visited the tree years ago. It has witnessed the development of the ancient town of Daming and heard the hopes and dreams of countless people," wrote "Yuexiacanglang" on microblog Sina Weibo.
