Welcoming Pine

　　Introduction      Listed as a World Heritage site, it was ranked third among the nine famous pines in ancient records. Shixin Peak is surrounded by ravines on three sides, with only the southeast side about ten feet away from another peak. In earlier times, a log bridge was built to help tourists cross. This pine grows on the edge of the valley between the two peaks. Qing dynasty scholar Liu Dakui described: “On the north bank, there is a pine tree whose branches stretch straight to the south bank,” as if reaching out to welcome visitors. Later, the wooden bridge was replaced by a stone one named “Fairy-Crossing Bridge,” yet visitors still leaned on the branches of this pine to cross the bridge. The Welcoming Pine stands 4 meters tall, has a diameter at breast height of 30.5 cm, and a crown spread of 3.5 m × 5.5 m. It is estimated to be about 500 years old.

　　 Huangshan City, Anhui Province