Mystery of the "ageless" ginkgo tree in China's Xi'an

Published : 2024-11-04

Editor︰Ryu

In China's ancient capital Xi'an, there is this millennium-old ginkgo tree located in the Old Guanyin Temple.

Every late autumn, its leaves would all turn bright yellow, which makes the tree look like wearing a "golden coat", attracting countless tourists from both home and abroad.

What's more mysterious about this ginkgo tree is that it is said to be personally planted by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and it remains lush and full of vitality after 1,400 years. What is its secret?

The 1400-year-old ginkgo tree was planted by Emperor Taizong?

As an ancient capital of China's 13 dynasties, Xi'an is full of history, and this extends to its trees, not just its architecture.

Located at the foot of the Zhongnan Mountain (終南山) in Xi'an, the Old Guanyin Temple is home to a ginkgo tree that is over 1,400 years old. Every autumn, it attracts thousands of tourists who come to admire its stunning look.

Millennium Ginkgo Tree in Xi'an — In 2019, a netizen named "Aesthetic Sharer ZHR" uploaded photos of the millennial-old ginkgo tree, and within just a few days, the tree gained fame around the globe. (Image Source: Aesthetic Sharer ZHR@X)

When viewed from a distance, the millennial ginkgo tree, shining brilliantly, looks like being adorned with countless strings of golden firecrackers.

During the leaf-falling season, the whole courtyard is carpeted in gold, making a stark and spectacular contrast with the solemn ancient temple.

It is said that the old ginkgo tree was personally planted by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), which explains its regal appearance.

The ginkgo tree is one of China's famous ancient trees and one of the oldest tree species in the world. The earliest discovered fossils of this type of tree date back to around 300 million years ago, which is why this tree is also known as a "living fossil."

While there are many ginkgo trees, ancient ginkgo trees are quite rare. The fruits they bear, known as "white nuts," are much higher in nutritional value compared to ordinary ginkgo nuts, making them very precious. Like giant panda, they are considered "national treasure" of China as well.

The longevity "secret" of the millennium-old ginkgo tree

You might be curious about how this ancient ginkgo tree has remained so vigorous over the millennia. The answer lies in the Sacred Spring of Guanyin beneath the tree.

Millennium Ginkgo Tree and Guanyin Sacred Spring in Xi'an — The Sacred Spring of Guanyin beneath the ginkgo tree has clear and sweet water that flows year-round. It is said to have the ability to cure a hundred diseases and has been a famous spring since ancient times. (Image Source: VCG)

Whether sunny or rainy, the water level of Sacred Spring of Guanyin always remains constant, neither rising nor falling, never ceasing throughout the year.

It is said that drinking a sip can cure all diseases, which is quite miraculous. It was already very famous in ancient times, with many people traveling long distances to obtain its water.

Interestingly, the millennium-old ginkgo tree happens to grow directly above the spring. The spring water nurtures the roots, and the tree body nourishes the spring.

The two complement each other, enabling the ginkgo tree to stand tall for over a thousand years, still lush and vigorous, making it the most dazzling autumn scenery in Xi'an.