Paoche Ancient Chestnut Garden

Paoche Ancient Chestnut Garden

Paoche Ancient Chestnut Garden is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Paoche Ancient Chestnut Garden

The ancient chestnut garden is situated at the junction of Paoche and Chenlou towns in Pizhou City, spanning over a thousand acres and home to around ten thousand ancient chestnut trees, roughly 300 years of age. The large number of old trees and their impressive longevity make this a rare and highly unusual seedling-grown chestnut orchard in northern Jiangsu.

The old chestnut trees were planted during the Qianlong era. Legend has it that during one of Emperor Qianlong’s southern tours, he passed through this area. Delighted by the soft white sand beneath his imperial shoes, he was nonetheless deeply saddened by the withered crops and the suffering of the local people. He then summoned his ministers for counsel, and the minister in charge of agriculture proposed a solution: this sandy soil was only suitable for fruit tree cultivation, and planting fruit trees—especially chestnuts and sand pears—was the best way to alleviate the people’s hardship. Emperor Qianlong then issued an edict to quickly dispatch tens of thousands of chestnut and pear saplings from the north, distributing them to local households to plant in the white sand fields. This gave rise to the name “Paoche Orchard” and eventually led to the establishment of today’s Orchard Village. For nearly three hundred years, the presence of fruit trees ensured that the villagers lived in plenty. Though the old pear trees have all been cut down, the area has since become a pure chestnut orchard.

The old chestnut trees are lush and leafy, casting dense shade that makes it hard to discern directions within the garden. It is said that a folk craftsman from a nearby village once carried his handwoven bamboo hat to attend the Longchi Fair. In those days, there were no proper roads, and travelers had to pass through the old chestnut grove. The artisan entered the grove in the morning but soon lost his way, wandering until sunset without finding the exit—until he luckily met an acquaintance returning from the fair who helped lead him out.

The graceful forms of the old chestnut trees attract visitors from both near and far. Thousands of ancient trees twist and turn, their gnarled branches stretching out in all directions, creating a mesmerizing variety of shapes. Some resemble monkeys reaching for the moon; others look like warriors engaged in fierce combat, or beauties with elegant postures. With companions, you glance around curiously; some trees look like monsters baring fierce claws, while others stand tall and dignified like generals, or stooped and hunched like elders.

Each of these ancient and mystical chestnut trees—whether standing alone, in rows, or in clusters—has its own unique name, story, and legend. There are “Couple Trees,” “Lover Trees,” “Yearning Trees,” and “Sister Entwined Trees.” Observing their shapes and guessing their names adds a special charm to the visit. Among them is one called the “Monster-Catching Tree,” which best embodies the spirit of the old chestnut trees. Legend says a monster once appeared in the chestnut orchard, frequently invading the village and devouring villagers’ livestock. To eliminate the beast, the chestnut tree lured it onto its branches using its fruits, then summoned lightning to strike and slay the monster, bringing peace to the villagers. However, the brave chestnut tree was also burned by the fire, leaving behind only a charred stump. Three years later, miraculously, the burnt tree sprouted anew, flourishing once more. To commemorate it, locals named it the “Monster-Catching Tree.” The tree’s rebirth is also seen as a testament to the saying, “Chestnut trees never die out.”

During the Huaihai Campaign, this area also served as a camp and command post for the Eighth Route Army. The vast thousand-acre ancient chestnut grove provided one of the few concealed hiding spots for troops in the Huaihai region, where 180,000 soldiers could hide, remaining virtually undetectable from land or air. Today, the remains of 28 martyrs who sacrificed their lives are buried together beneath the old chestnut trees. In the past, the dense forest also served as a hideout for bandits (known locally as “Ma Zi”). After liberation, it was used by local militia as a target practice range, and curious visitors can still find a few slightly rusted bullets embedded in the fine layer of white sand. Now, it has become a popular natural oxygen bar, a romantic spot for young couples, and an ideal destination for students on field trips. Beneath the old trees, visitors spread out their own mats or plastic sheets to rest, or set up picnics, filling the tranquil woods with laughter and joy.

There is also a small lake in the woods, known as “Moon Lake,” named for its crescent shape. Though not large, the lake features clear water and abundant fish, making it a great spot for bathing and fishing.