Go Deep in Lijiang: Lijiang houses 1,200 century-old trees

Ancient trees are precious treasure and heritages from nature. An ancient tree witnesses local history and is part of the cultural resources.

In China, trees more than a hundred years old are defined as ancient trees. According to the latest data from the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Lijiang, there are 1,200 ancient trees in the city.

Among the ancient trees, the giant Camellia tree in Yufeng Monastery is famous. It flowers three times a year. When the best time comes, the number of flowers can reach 10,000. It is of 5.6m in height. Measured from 1.2 meters above the ground, the tree has a trunk that reaches 1.8m in circumference. The ancient tree may be 550 years old according to estimation.

Besides, in the botanical garden of Ludian township, Yulong county, Lijiang city, a giant hemlock is of 37m in height with a 3.7m DBH (diameter at breast height). Its trunk is of 11.7m. The crown area of the hemlock shades about 100㎡. As it has already lived more than a millennium, it is called the King of Hemlocks.

In Huaping county, Lijiang city, there is a mango tree living at an altitude of 1,181m. It is of 16 meters in height with a trunk of 0.99m. According to the latest data from the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Lijiang, it is now about 55 years old. Although not old, it witnessed the development of mango industry in Huaping. It is really the ancestor.

The protection of ancient trees has always been a priority of the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Lijiang. The general investigations of resources of ancient tress have been carried out many times. Meanwhile, the awareness of citizens is raised through.
Reporting by Li Mei (Lijiang Daily); Trans-editing by Wang Yunya