A 500-year-old camphor tree has been cut down in Longshan village, Hezhou, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on June 29, 2022. Screenshot of Jiupai News

Recently, netizens reported to the local public security bureau that a 500-year-old camphor tree has been cut down in Longshan village, Hezhou, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A video posted online showed a massive tree with branches cut off on one side and piles of branches beside it.

A villager surnamed Mai said the tree was cut down on June 29 by lawbreakers without the consent of the villagers.

According to the regulations on the protection of ancient and famous trees in Guangxi, which took effect on June 1, 2017, trees older than 500 years but less than 1,000 years will be under first-class protection. Those who cut down ancient or famous trees under first-class protection shall be fined no less than 200,000 yuan ($29,307) and under 300,000 yuan for each tree. 

Local government officials responded on Monday that they have reported the case to the public security bureau and the specific result will be subject to its announcement.