Linhu Ancient Fortress Tourist Area

Linhu Ancient Fortress Tourist Area

The Linhu Ancient Fortress Tourist Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Dayushu Linhu Ancient Fortress Tourist Area is located in Dayushu Township, Zhuozi County. Built upon the foundation of its mountain-water ecological resources, it is centered around the culture of the Linhu tribe and red culture, with leisure experiences as its main offering and eco-wellness and elderly care industries as its regular focus. It is a well-known mountain-water leisure tourism destination integrating sightseeing, experiences, leisure, retirement, vacationing, and entertainment.

The village where the Great Elm Tree is located—Dayushu Village—was an ancient town during the Ming and Qing dynasties and also an old town associated with Emperor Kangxi. The east-west street of the ancient town was part of the then Beijing-Suiyuan postal route, used by both officials and merchants. It was frequently traveled by emperors on inspection tours and by merchant travelers. The name “east-west street” has been retained to this day, which is unique among the borderland mountain villages in the region. The opening of the postal route spurred market prosperity, and by the Qing Dynasty, it had already become a hub for merchants and a place of cultural exchange between Shanxi merchants and Mongolian traders. On the south side of the west street of the postal route stand three large elm trees, growing from northwest to southeast. According to experts in ancient and famous trees, although the trees vary in size, they share the same age of about 510 years. Having withstood the test of time, they remain lush and vibrant. The largest tree in the middle has a trunk diameter of approximately 6 meters, a height of about 25 meters, and a crown spread of around 30 meters. This is the legendary elm tree under which Emperor Kangxi took shelter from the rain during his western tour. The backprint from his rain shelter and the horse-tying marks on the trunk are still clearly visible. He once praised, “What a grand elm tree!” This tree and its location gained their names thanks to the emperor’s golden words. Above the southern side of this tree is a small natural cavity that serves as a reliable barometer. Whenever water droplets seep out, rainfall is sure to follow. Local residents rely on it to plan their farming activities, making it the equivalent of a modern “weather forecast” and remarkably accurate. The tree is often adorned with red ribbons by worshippers, and there is an incense burner and offerings beneath it. Originally, there was a small brick shrine on the branches above the tree and a music pavilion below, making it a longstanding venue for traditional temple fairs in the area. One of the trees to the northwest has a downward-curving branch whose tip resembles a dragon’s head, with distinct features, polished shiny smooth by people’s touch. It is called the “Old Dragon Head,” and at times, a halo of light surrounds it at night, creating a magical sight. The Great Elm Tree is revered by locals as a “sacred tree.” In times of disaster or illness, people often come to pray under the tree, hoping for protection and peace. Truly, “The Great Elm Tree haunts the dreams and hearts of many, full of stories and mysteries.”

Address: Dayushu Township, Zhuozi County, Ulanqab City

Phone: 0474-2324666 0471-2324888

Information Source: People's Government of Ulanqab City