Best time to travel to China

1400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree in China

This legendary tree that has seen everything seems to be older than life itself

Best time: mid- to late November

Autumn is a great season to admire golden and red colours covering Chinese landscape. But sometimes even one tree can be worth a visit. Such a unique tree grows near the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in the Zhongnan Mountains. It is believed to be 1400 years old.

Gingko is a kind of deciduous Chinese tree that has been cultivated for centuries. It has culinary and medical properties. Traditional Chinese physicians used it to treat various diseases like asthma and even brain disorders. Every year during fall season its leaves cover the whole area around with a beautiful golden carpet. This is a favourite sight of the monks from neighbouring temples. It also draws thousands of people from all over China as well as from other countries. This simple but beautiful natural phenomenon usually occurs around mid-November.

Practical info

What is the ideal time of the year to observe the beautiful golden foliage around the 1400-year-old Ginkgo tree in China?

The Ginkgo tree surrounded by a beautiful carpet of golden-yellow leaves can be seen from the middle to the end of November. The Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple, located in the Zhongnan Mountains of China, is the place to visit. It is advised to visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowd. This period marks the peak season and attract visitors from different parts of the world. Show more

Where can one find the famous 1400-year-old Ginkgo tree and the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple?

The Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple is a site located in the Zhongnan Mountains of China in Shaanxi Province. This area is home to the 1400-year-old Ginkgo tree, standing tall at an altitude of 1,400 meters. This ancient tree is said to contain significant historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors worldwide. The transportation system in China has made it easier to access the Zhongnan Mountains through various means like buses or trains. Show more

What does the Ginkgo tree symbolize in Chinese culture, and what roles does it play in traditional Chinese medicine?

The Ginkgo tree not only has historical and cultural importance in China but is also used as a treatment for various medical conditions. Physicians use the leaves and seeds of the Ginkgo tree to treat bronchitis, bladder problems, asthma and brain disorders. The Ginkgo tree also represents hope, peace, and resilience in Chinese culture. With potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it improves brain functions, reduces anxiety and depression, and prevents age-related cognitive decline, making it popular in many modern supplements. Show more

What curative properties do the Ginkgo tree leaves and seeds have in traditional Chinese medicine?

As traditional Chinese medicine reveals, Ginkgo leaves and seeds have curative properties such as treating asthma, bronchitis, bladder problems and brain disorders. Besides, it has potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help in reducing anxiety and depression, maintaining good brain health, and preventing age-related cognitive decline. Different supplements use Ginkgo leaves extracts as part of their ingredients to harness its potential as a medicinal herb. Show more

What other attractions near the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple can visitors explore besides the famous Ginkgo tree?

Zhongnan Mountains and its vicinity have many other attractions worth visiting apart from the Ginkgo tree and Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple. Mount Hua is among the places worth exploring as it provides a great place for hiking activities. Tourists can also visit the Terracotta Army, Xian City Wall, meditate or do some Tai Chi amidst a serene and beautiful natural environment. It is an exciting exploration destination for tourists wanting to experience Chinese culture and history. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin