In the wake of the tragedy, experts from the local forestry bureau and other related departments implemented measures to improve fertilization and infusion for the surviving cypresses.

Even though that one particular tree had died, it remains precious to local people.

"We won't cut it down," said Yang Zubin, Party chief of Jiange county. "With it just standing there, it passes on the spirit of protecting trees."

For the people of Jiange, the trees have stood side by side with their families for generations.

Over 60 years ago, within Shi's patrol area, there used to be a small temple where people from surrounding villages would come to burn incense for blessings during festivals and in times of difficulty.

"In order to protect the ancient trees the temple was demolished, but occasionally, the elderly still come here to worship. Sometimes when I encounter them, I have to remind them that strict fire prevention is essential in protecting the trees," he said.

Not far from Dongqing, Tianqiao is the closest village to the Cuiyun Corridor scenic area. Xu Xinggui, the former village Party secretary of Tianqiao, said, "We grew up listening to the stories of the ancient trees."

Xu, who is also in his 60s, remembers vividly that when he was in elementary school, the teachers often told them the legends of the ancient trees.

"Over 1,800 years ago, Zhang Fei (a famous general) passed through here and planted a cypress tree, which grew into three trunks, supporting each other, echoing the famous story of 'The Oath of the Peach Garden' in the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

The cypress mentioned by Xu is known to the locals as the Zhang Fei Cypress. Today, the Cuiyun Corridor is listed as a 5A-level scenic spot — the highest in the national scenic spot rating system. There are many such trees with legends that are cherished and respected by the locals.

"We like to tie a red string on the thick trunk of a thousand-year-old cypress tree to pray for the safety of our family," Xu said.