Ocean Ginkgo Forest

Ocean Ginkgo Forest

The Ocean Ginkgo Forest is located in Haiyang Township, Lingchuan County, Guilin. The forest area has one million ginkgo trees, planted in clusters, rows, and patches among beautiful farmland or near village houses. The forest covers an area of 4 square kilometers, with trees generally aged 30–50 years, an average canopy height of 13 meters, and trunk diameters of 0.5 meters. Among them are over 500,000 ancient ginkgo trees, with the oldest being over 500 years old, more than 17,000 over a century old, and the largest "King of Ginkgo" tree reaching 30 meters in height, requiring six people to encircle its trunk. In late autumn, when a gentle breeze blows, the leaves fall in profusion—those on the trees and those on the ground resemble pieces of gold. Together with the elderly or children gathering fallen leaves under the trees, they form uniquely charming autumn scenes. Such vast, forested ginkgo groves are rare nationwide and unique in Guangxi. In this golden world, a fairytale-like dream continues—that is the autumn whispers of the Ocean Ginkgo Forest in deep autumn.

Haiyang Township in Lingchuan County, Guilin, is known as the "No. 1 Ginkgo Township in the World." Nestled within the majestic Ocean Mountain range in southeastern Guilin, Haiyang Township is 45 kilometers from Guilin City. Though it is just an unassuming small village, it is home to over one million ginkgo trees. These trees are widely planted across beautiful farmland, villages, streams, and village roads, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers. The trees are generally 30–50 years old, with an average canopy height of 13 meters. There are over 500,000 ancient ginkgo trees, more than 17,000 over a century old, the oldest being over 500 years old, and the largest "King of Ginkgo" tree standing 30 meters tall, requiring six people to encircle its trunk. This is the place with the highest per capita ginkgo ownership in the world, hence becoming the homeland of the "living fossil" ginkgo, and is honored as the "No. 1 Ginkgo Township in China."

[Best Time to Visit]

Viewing Time: The golden period for viewing ginkgo trees is from mid-November to early December each year. The leaves begin to turn yellow and fall, displaying vibrant colors that are entirely different from the dry, withered autumn leaves of the north. It’s a brilliant mix of tender yellow, bright yellow, and golden hues, especially under sunlight, a beauty that rivals the northern maple leaves "redder than February flowers."

[Admission Fee]

Previously, Qianjin Village did not charge an entrance fee, but now that visitors flock here, they have started charging 2 yuan per person.

[Featured Attractions]

Datongmuwan: Located about 3 km north of the Haiyang Township government office, it is slightly more rustic than Haiyang Township, featuring mainly small scenic spots. Xiaotongmuwan: Accessible via the township government area, about 2–3 km away, it has open terrain suitable for large-scene photography and is slightly more pristine than Datongmuwan.

-Le: The -Le village area is very expansive, making it a great spot for both photography and capturing stunning works.

The ginkgo resources in Datongmuwan Village and Xiaotongmuwan are relatively concentrated, making them ideal places for enjoying autumn colors, leisure, and photography. Most ginkgo trees are scattered in the nooks of mountain villages, some embracing farmsteads, others dotting fields. Often, around the next corner, you’ll encounter the delightful surprise of “suddenly coming upon” them—scenery can be found everywhere. Once you enter Haiyang Township, simply wander into any small village or woodland to savor the joy of discovery. Due to Guilin’s temperate climate, ginkgo leaves turn yellow later than in the north, typically reaching their peak in December. If there are no cold snaps or strong winds, the viewing season can last about a month.

[Best Photography Spots]

Datongmuwan Village is where ginkgo resources are relatively concentrated. It features a photography zone established by the Photographic Association, and the most famous "King of Ginkgo" is also here. The village has a horse-tying post erected by Tang Hengqi, a Guozijian scholar during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. Behind the village is a private Western-style schoolhouse built during the Republic of China period, and in the village are an ancient well dating back to the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty and well-preserved traditional houses, all reflecting the simple local customs.

[Best Photography Time]

Early morning and evening (apart from Ocean, Gaoshang and -Le also offer particularly beautiful ginkgo scenery)

[Transportation]

From Guilin via Daxu to Haiyang Township is about 40 kilometers, with the entire route being asphalt road and in good condition. You can take a bus or drive there yourself.

1. Take a city bus in Guilin to Sanlidian Square. At the roundabout, there are many minibuses heading to Haiyang Township, usually only going as far as the entrance of Haiyang Township. You’ll need to walk or take a motorcycle from there.

2. Self-driving route: Drive from downtown Guilin toward Lingchuan Daxu. The entire journey is mostly highway, about 600 kilometers, with a short section of county road in the Huaiji area.

[Accommodation]

November is the low season for tourism in Guilin, so hotel prices are low, and standard rooms for 80 yuan are easy to find. Staying at a farmhouse is also convenient and affordable. If you’re a passionate photography enthusiast, consider bringing a tent and staying under the ginkgo trees. If it rained the previous day, the next morning may bring misty veils—a fleeting beauty that regular travel itineraries can’t capture. However, safety is paramount, and avoid staying out alone.

[Food Recommendations]

Ginkgo stewed with old duck is a local specialty dish.

You can dine at local farmhouses for authentic rural cuisine—the flavor of which cannot be replicated by "leisure resorts." Choose a free-range chicken for soup, and the host will prepare vegetables and rice. The soup also includes fresh ginkgo seeds (ginkgo nuts), making it incredibly delicious. The locals are very hospitable, and you can also try local specialties like ginkgo nuts and homemade sweet potato chips.

Address:

Within Haiyang Township, Lingchuan County, Guilin City

Opening Hours:

All day

Admission

Free

Haiyang Township: Located 48 kilometers away from the county seat, Haiyang Township is a mountainous area township covering a total area of 216 square kilometers. It administers 13 village committees, one street committee, and has a total population of 24,212. The township has over 28,000 mu of arable land, including 19,987 mu of paddy fields, making it a typical high-altitude, cold, and drought-prone area with water shortages.

The township is known for its "Four-Colored Agriculture," featuring one red (tomatoes), one white (ginkgo), one green (green chili peppers), and one purple (purple eggplants), all thriving in competition. Each year, 8,000 mu of South China Ruby Tomatoes are planted, with an average yield of up to 80... More details about Haiyang Township++