On January 14, People's Daily published a report entitled Xiangyang presses ahead with forest city construction-Green trees and mountains throughout the city on Ecological Weekly in praise of Xiangyang's favorable ecological environment.

According to the report, Xiangyang's success in forest city construction has been attributable to the firm resolution of the Party committee and government. Through effective measures such as mass financial support, construction mechanism innovation and citizen engagement guidance, Xiangyang has built up a green ecosystem involving trees, parks and waters.