Baoshan Lion Grove

Baoshan Lion Grove

Lion Grove is situated in the northeastern part of the land area of Baoshan District, within the Baosteel plant premises, at the confluence of Lianqi River and Baosteel Plant Protection River, right next to the Yangtze River embankment. During the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, in the northeastern part of Yuepu, at the outlet of the Little Lianqi River, there was a huge rock shaped like a lion, known as Lion Rock. A scholar from Yuepu named Zhang Jinhui, who had once served as the magistrate of Fu’an County in Fujian Province, had once fought to eliminate salt bullies for the local people, later resigned from office and returned to his hometown, where he was buried on this site. Later generations planted ginkgo, elm, and cypress trees near his tomb. Over time, they grew into a lush forest, with trees reaching high into the sky, their shapes resembling lions — hence the name “Lion Grove.” When viewed from the land, it looks like a drunken lion sleeping peacefully; when the wind blows, it resembles an angry lion roaring toward the heavens; and when seen from the river, it strikingly resembles a fierce lion quietly crouching on the riverbank, with every hair visible and eyes shooting forth light. As ships enter the Wusongkou area, this landmark has come to be known as the “Lion Grove.”

The trees in Lion Grove are classified as second-class nationally protected ancient and notable trees. When Baosteel was constructed in 1978, these trees were still given key protection status. Today, there remain seven ginkgo trees, which have grown as tall as five-story buildings, with lush branches and leaves.