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).

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]