A total of 24 multinationals donated over one million yuan Monday for the afforestation of the mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation.

Located in Huangling County in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the mausoleum accommodates large numbers of Chinese each year to commemorate the Yellow Emperor.

The donation is part of a project initiated by China's Ministry of Commerce to cover the tomb area with more trees.

In 2002, seven companies donated 600,000 yuan (US$72,289) for tree planting at the mausoleum, which helped cover four hectares with trees. The latest donation can add seven hectares of trees, bringing the project's afforested area to 11.4 percent of the tomb area.

The multinational companies include Amway, Sony, Siemens and P&G.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2003)