Juniper Grove in Wulahada

Wulahada Juniper Grove

Juniper is a rare tree species in Zhangjiakou, belonging to the genus Juniperus of the cypress family. It is an evergreen tree or shrub commonly found in temperate mountainous mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests. Preferring sunlight and intolerant of shade, junipers are not suitable for artificial cultivation and do not grow easily. The most representative juniper grove in western Beijing is the Wulahada Juniper Grove.

Departing from Zhangjiakou and driving north along the Guohua Highway, less than two kilometers northwest of Xiaosuangou Town, lies the Wulahada River. Following the river upstream for about two kilometers, on the eastern side of the river there is a small hill locally known as Black Dragon King Temple Mountain. Looking up at the rocky slope on the western side of the hill, you’ll see a lush expanse of green. Against the backdrop of the yellowing vegetation typical of winter on the Bashang Plateau, this patch of green stands out remarkably — that is the Wulahada Juniper Grove. The village across the river is called Wulahada Village, and the juniper grove is named after the village.

According to relevant sources, this is a natural forest. Currently, there are 380 mature trees covering a forested area of 31.6 mu, either growing in clusters or scattered as individual trees around Black Dragon King Temple Mountain. The tallest tree is about 7 meters high, the thickest trunk has a diameter of approximately 0.5 meters, and the largest cluster contains nearly 100 trees.

Upon closer inspection, each juniper appears as if it has been pruned by hand, with dense, needle-like leaves tightly encasing the branches and trunks, almost all taking on a pointed spire shape — resembling pagodas, swords, or rockets on launch pads ready to soar. Parting the outer leaves reveals a straight central trunk reaching upward, surrounded by intricately growing branches that exude vitality year-round. Standing within the juniper grove, feeling its vibrant energy and refreshing coolness, you will truly understand the resilience, tenacity, and grandeur of life.

How this juniper grove came into being cannot be precisely verified. It is highly possible that migratory birds, after consuming juniper seeds elsewhere, dropped them here through their droppings, leading to the growth of the first seedling, which gradually multiplied. Among the juniper grove, the oldest tree is at least 150 years old. According to villagers over 70 years old, this tree was already very old when they were children, which speaks volumes about the great antiquity of the juniper grove.

Regarding the mysterious origins of the Wulahada Juniper Grove, there is an ancient local legend. It is said that in ancient times, the Wulahada area was rich in water and grass, with sturdy cattle and horses. Later, several nomadic tribes fought year after year over this piece of feng shui treasure land...

...causing widespread resentment and leaving the people in misery. To punish those who waged war, the Jade Emperor ordered the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas not to let a single drop of rain fall on this region for three years. In no time, the scorching sun blazed, sandstorms raged, rivers dried up, vegetation withered, crops failed, and even roots and tree bark were dug up and devoured by people. At that time, a crane flying to the East Sea passed through the area and, seeing the suffering and displacement of the people, was deeply moved. It went to the Dragon King of the East Sea to plead for the salvation of the distressed populace. The Dragon King dared not defy the Jade Emperor’s decree but could not bear to see lives destroyed. He secretly handed a celestial tree seed to the crane, instructing it to take the seed to Wulahada. The crane swallowed the seed and flew back to Wulahada, then planted it in a crevice of the rocks on the hill east of the village (Black Dragon King Temple Mountain). Before long, a miracle occurred. A tall, green tree sprouted from the mountain, and soon after, clear spring water began flowing in the once-dry riverbed, bringing greenery back to the barren wilderness... The people were saved. Later, the celestial tree grew taller and multiplied, forming the juniper grove we see today.

Around the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, local residents built a Black Dragon King Temple on the hillside of the juniper grove, enshrining the “Dragon King” inside to offer prayers for rain. Legend has it that the statue of the “Dragon King” often held a juniper branch less than half a foot long, with ancient inscriptions on its surface such as “white sand and light rain,” “rain in three days,” and “more wind, less rain.” After making offerings, worshippers would place the juniper branch on their heads, and the inscription facing upward upon its landing would indicate the “weather forecast” they sought. It is said to have been quite accurate. From then on, incense was offered and prayers were held on the 23rd day of the sixth lunar month, the 2nd day of the seventh lunar month, and throughout the first lunar month to seek divine protection. Of course, these practices had strong superstitious elements and are not credible. Later, the Black Dragon King Temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Even now, villagers still firmly believe in the “magic” and “divinity” of the juniper grove and hold it in deep reverence. No one dares to damage a single juniper branch, nor graze livestock near the grove, as it is believed that doing so would offend the spirits and invite disaster. Locals can recount countless such stories, further adding to the unfathomable aura of the juniper grove.

The ancient legends have gradually faded, and the once-bustling Black Dragon King Temple is now left with only ruins. All that remains are the century-old junipers, still vibrant and green. Standing within the pine forest, feeling the gentle breeze brush against your face, accompanied by birds, flowers, grasses, and insects, you can sense the juniper grove’s otherworldly upright posture, ethereal charm, and mysterious allure — offering a uniquely captivating experience.