India, Dec. 31 -- In Beijing, young people are increasingly embracing tree hugging as a form of therapy to combat loneliness and stress, especially post-COVID.

Forest therapist Xiaoyang Wong leads sessions where participants connect with nature and each other, finding solace and friendship in the process.

This trend reflects a broader desire among China's youth to foster connections and nurture their urban environment.

In Beijing's central district, trees are everywhere. In parks, along roadsides and in courtyards inside people's houses. Many have only been planted in recent decades.

Others - with wide trunks - have been around for centuries and are cosy to touch: you can form an arm chain around them with a friend, trace your fingers...