◎Ancient Ginkgo Garden in Chanlin Temple
The Ancient Ginkgo Garden is located in Houjiazhai Township, Zunhua City, Hebei Province. With a total area of 6.6 square kilometers, it is close to the Great Wall in the north, Prajna Lake in the south, the Jiufeng Mountain in the east, and Eastern Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in the west. Surrounded by mountains, it boasts towering ancient trees and stately temples. It is famous for its ancient history.
The scenery of the ancient mountain, the Wufeng Mountain changes from season to season. In spring, the wild flowers on the mountain bloom brilliantly and beautifully. In summer, waterfalls fly down and springs flow. At the end of autumn, the green trees on the mountains turn red, as if they have been dyed. When winter comes, the mountains are covered with snow. It is listed as the first of the top 10 scenic spots in Zunhua.
The ancient ginkgo trees are located around the ancient temple in front of the Ruiyun Peak of the Wufeng Mountain. There are 13 ancient ginkgo trees, including one male and twelve females. According to a textual research, these ginkgo trees were planted in the Han Dynasty, with a history of about 2,000 years. Among them, the “Longzhong (Dragon Seed)” tree and the tree of “four generations under one roof” are handsome and peculiar, both of which are listed as key objects under national-level protection.(https://www.daowen.com)
The ancient temple, Chanlin Temple was rebuilt in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) and was renovated in the Liao Dynasty. It has a history of more than 1,700 years, and its “Chanlin” plaque was personally gifted by the emperor of the Liao Dynasty. The temple underwent repairs, but it was burned down by the Japanese invaders in 1942. In 2000, it was rebuilt again, and now three gates, six halls, two floors, and a tower have been built, making it look solemn and magnificent.
After climbing up the Wufeng Mountain and passing through the Dashiyu Gorge, one can reach the Great Wall built on the top of the mountain. This section of the Great Wall was built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. Two watchtowers are especially unique.