Ancient Locust Tree Scenic Area

Ancient Locust Tree Scenic Area

The ancient locust tree has existed for over 2,000 years, with a root circumference of 20 meters, a breast-height circumference of 15.4 meters, and a height of 20 meters — a rare sight in the world, known as the "No. 1 Locust Tree Under Heaven," and also referred to as the "Nine Hugs and One Span." According to the 1799 (the fourth year of the Jiaqing reign) "Shexian County Annals": "There are three ancient locust trees in the county, all planted during the Tang and Song dynasties. One is in Guxian Town, with a trunk circumference of ten people’s hugs, its branches and leaves lush, resembling a coiling dragon." Additionally, according to the "Ancient Locust Tree Stele Inscription" in Guxincun: "The ancient locust tree, a splendid site in Central China, originates from the territory of Shahuangguo (i.e., Shexian County), towering into the clouds, a rare sight in the world. It is a crystallization of China’s natural beauty and a pride of the nation. How old the tree is remains to be verified, but there are popular legends: one says that during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1506–1521), when the village was first established, there was already a thousand-year-old locust tree; another says that during the Warring States period, when Qin troops advanced eastward to attack Zhao, they passed through here and rested their horses and ate; yet another says that in the Tang Dynasty, a local elder practiced Taoism here, known for his virtue and love of chess, with the saying ‘The ancient locust tree came first, the later immortals came after.’ Based on these accounts, the ancient locust tree is believed to be over 2,000 years old."

The ancient locust tree is revered as a "divine tree." Legend has it: "During the Guangxu era, a great famine struck, and the villagers had no grain left. The ancient locust tree then 'opened its granary' — during the day, the hungry gathered all its green leaves, yet by the next night, new leaves grew back, even more abundant than the day before, saving the lives of the entire village. The main trunk of the tree is just over ten feet tall, with the old northwest branch having long broken off, leaving a hollow where it snapped. Much of the bark on the main trunk has also disappeared. After years of weathering, erosion by wind and sun, the exposed wood has split into irregular, massive plates. But around spring and summer, the treetop turns green and lush again. When villagers fall ill, some still seek healing from the tree. Plaques such as 'Responsive to All Prayers' and 'Blessings from the Divine Locust' often hang on its branches, and incense burning never ceases. The villagers take pride in it and even lock their underage children under the tree, entrusting them to the care of the locust spirit for safety. With the development of tourism, the villagers have voluntarily raised funds to protect the ancient locust tree. It stands as a witness to the civilization history along the Qingzhang River. Look at its mottled body — it's as if covered in words. Having endured wind and frost, it stands firmly upright. Even when its branches break, not a single brick or tile falls onto the street — its noble character is indeed worthy of being celebrated and revered by future generations. The ancient street, stone-paved paths, ancestral halls, old houses, and ancient water channels have formed a small-scale tourist area themed around the thousand-year-old locust tree."