The Reclining Dragon Locust Tree

The Reclining Dragon Locust Tree

Hebei’s No. 1 Wonder Tree — The Reclining Dragon Locust Tree

It is located on the north side of the central section of West Street in the county town. It was planted in front of the back garden gate of Liu Zunxian, who served as Minister of War and Minister of Works during the Ming Dynasty, and is about 500 years old. Liu Zunxian, originally from Liu Junzhuang Village in Xiweizhuang Township, became a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in the 32nd year of the Wanli reign (1604) during the Ming Dynasty, later held important official positions in the court, and after retiring to his hometown, purchased a residence on West Street in the county town. At that time, the area south of the road was the residential section, featuring large buildings such as a library tower, while the area north of the road was used for ancestral halls and gardens for leisure, covering an area of approximately 15,000 square meters. This area has now been developed into residential housing. The descendants of the Liu family have continued to the 20th generation or so, and some of them still live around the ancient locust tree area and in Liu Junzhuang. Having endured the trials of wind and rain over the centuries, this ancient tree serves as a witness to the development of the old town. It remains lush and leafy to this day, and its most unique feature is a horizontally extending branch on the eastern end that strikingly resembles a dragon — with branches forming distinct horns, a clear mouth and eyes, making it vividly lifelike. Many visitors come here specifically to admire it, often left in awe. It is truly the foremost ancient locust tree in southern Hebei. In 1983, the Daming County People’s Government designated it as a county-level key cultural relics protection unit.