Millennium Ginkgo Tree

Millennium Ginkgo Tree

Forty-five li east of Mengcheng County lies Yicun Market, where two ginkgo trees stand as living historical relics.

Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, a high-ranking official from the Wu family in Yicun Market—commonly referred to as “Elder Wu”—built a garden known as the Wu Family Garden. Though the garden itself has long since vanished without a trace, these two ginkgo trees remain. To this day, a local saying goes: “Since the time of Zhu Yuanzhang’s early reign, two great trees stood here.” This means that over six hundred years ago, these ginkgo trees were already towering giants.

The two trees stand apart—one to the south and one to the north—about half a li from each other. The southern tree is larger, requiring six or seven people holding hands to encircle its trunk. The northern tree is slightly smaller but still measures five or six people’s armspans in girth. Their height goes without saying—they can be clearly seen from several li away, their branches stretching high into the sky.

These are two trees of different sexes. Based on the fruits they bear, villagers call the southern tree the “female” (or “mother”) tree because its fruits are larger and plumper, while the northern tree is called the “male” (or “father”) tree due to its smaller and less rounded fruits.

These are two trees that have weathered the ages. The long passage of time has left deep marks on them, and they truly look ancient and venerable. Their bark is cracked, and parts of their trunks bulge and droop downward. Playful children can climb onto the branches by stepping into the cracks and grabbing hold of the protrusions.

Some of the old roots are exposed above ground, rising and falling in twisted, dragon-like shapes, forming natural little benches. Both trees have endured disasters. The southern tree—the so-called mother tree—was once struck by lightning, resulting in one thick branch being broken off and another charred and withered. Even now, the scars are still visible. It also survived a fire. During a local fair, many people had gathered under the tree when someone accidentally knocked a spark from a dry firework onto a dead part of the trunk, igniting it. The flames burned the trunk hollow from bottom to top (some say it was started by village children roasting soybeans). Strangely enough, later a small tree grew out from the hollow, which people call the “tree that flew in.” It was likely caused by a bird dropping a seed into the hollow. The northern tree was also struck by lightning, leaving behind a large dead branch. The southeastern side of its trunk lost its bark from bottom to top, exposing the bare wood as if the tree had bared its chest. It too suffered a fire about a decade ago. The blaze was fierce, and because the tree was so tall and water sources were far away, ordinary people could do nothing. The village committee had to send an urgent plea to the county. But by the time the fire truck arrived, it was too late. This ancient and towering tree, famous far and wide, was burned down. The villagers deeply lamented its loss.

These are two trees steeped in myth and legend. It is said that when the male tree was struck by lightning, someone saw

a woman sitting on a thick branch extending southeast from the female tree. She was dressed in white shoes, a white dress, and a white scarf, swaying back and forth as she wept bitterly. This beautiful legend reflects the people’s ideals of marital love and standing together through hardship.

Today, only the female tree remains. Though it has endured countless trials, it still exudes vigorous vitality and unyielding spirit. In spring, stirred by the eastern winds, it sprouts countless fresh buds that soon grow into a full canopy of new branches and leaves, densely covered and lushly green, like a giant emerald umbrella towering in the sky. In summer, its thick foliage shields people from the blazing sun, casting broad expanses of cool shade for rest and relaxation. In autumn, its leaves turn golden, and golden fruits—ginkgo nuts, known scientifically as ginkgo biloba—hang among the branches. In winter, amid fierce winds and heavy snow, it stands firm with its proud trunk and branches, braving the storm like a strong, noble woman. It has become the pride of the entire village, forming an inseparable bond with every resident. Of course, like the other tree, it has long been a scenic wonder that draws visitors from afar. Many come out of curiosity to learn about it; others make special trips just to see it, to touch it, to hug it, to stroll beneath it and linger, reluctant to leave. If possible, they take a photo, pluck a leaf, bring home a fruit, and cast one last lingering glance as they depart.

The ginkgo tree—millennium ginkgo tree ! Friends following the trail of legends, come to Yicun Market, forty-five li east of Mengcheng County.

Address: Office of the People's Government of Mengcheng County