The Golden Valley is a dazzling 48-km belt in Zuoquan County in Shanxi Province, north China, named so after its variety of trees with bright yellow leaves that look like gold. They include the fast-growing Siberian elm, the Chinese scholar tree that is used in herbal medicine, and the evergreen golden euonymus. The adult trees were planted along the belt since the beginning of this year as part of the afforestation drive that has now created a uniquely enchanting scenery to boost the local tourism industry.