Beijing has more than 40,000 ancient trees, but they are mostly pines, cypresses, sophoras, and ginkgos, with relatively fewer flowering tree species. Because they are rare, they are even more precious. When those ancient trees that have weathered the vicissitudes of time bloom with branches flowing with the traces of years, the profuse blossoms are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also exude an extraordinary elegance, further showcasing the tenacious vitality of these ancient trees. Keep this guide to ancient tree blossom appreciation, and let's admire the splendid floral scenes of Beijing's ancient trees together!
Ancient Wintersweet of Shifang Pujue Temple
The wintersweet, actually called the "làméi (腊梅)" in Chinese, is so named because it often blooms in the yuanyang (traditionally the last month of the year). The wintersweet, also known as the yellow plum blossom, got its name because it blooms around the same time as plum blossoms, has a similar fragrance, and has a color resembling wax.
Shifang Pujue Temple has long been a prime spot in Beijing to admire wintersweet. The "twice-blooming plum" in front of the Sanhui Buddha Hall is considered the finest of Beijing's "ancient wintersweet". In front of the Sanhui Buddha Hall are two ancient wintersweet. The planting date of the one on the east side is not precisely recorded, but it is said to have been planted during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (or alternatively, during the Yuan Dynasty or the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty). This tree once withered but then sprouted new buds and grew vigorously again, thus earning it the name "twice-blooming plum".
Though not as delicate as peach blossoms or as glamorous as peonies, the wintersweet manages to break through the desolation of winter and herald the awakening of spring, adding a touch of charm to nature. At this time, the wintersweet at Shifang Pujue Temple are in full bloom, with varieties like suxin, qingkou, and gouya all vying to display their flowers. Set against the backdrop of red walls and gray tiles, the wintersweet exude an ancient, elegant charm. This year, the wintersweet blooming season at Shifang Pujue Temple is expected to last until mid-March.
Address: Within the Beijing Botanical Garden, Shifang Pujue Temple Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Ancient Magnolia of Dajue Temple
The eight wonders of Dajue Temple are: the fragrance of ancient magnolias, the thousand-year-old ginkgo, the ancient vine-embraced cypress, the mouse plum grafted onto cypress, the numinous spring water, the ancient Chan Buddhism from the Liao Dynasty, the pines and cypresses embracing the pagoda, and the jade-green pond. Among these, the "fragrance of ancient magnolias" is listed first. When admiring the blossoms at Dajue Temple, one must not miss the 300-year-old ancient magnolia in front of the Siyiting Hall, said to have been personally transplanted from Sichuan by the Chan master Jialing during the Qing Yongzheng era. The tree stands over 10 meters tall with a massive crown, producing large fist-sized flowers with pristine white petals and an intoxicating fragrance.
Every year from early to mid-April, several magnolia trees in the temple burst into full bloom, covering the branches entirely in white blossoms of dazzling beauty, adorning the ancient mountain monastery with a classic elegance. The open white magnolia flowers are as large as fists, appearing like piles of snow fluff piled upon the branches, yet without any hint of coldness - instead, their remote, refined fragrance has earned them the poetic name "jade snow fragrant tallow".
In addition to the ancient magnolias at Siyiting Hall, the purple magnolias at Dajue Temple are also blossoming vibrantly. The purple hue of these magnolias, accentuated by the sunlight and ancient temple architecture, appears even more vibrant, creating yet another breathtaking spring scenery at Dajue Temple.
Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Road, Sujiaying Town, Haidian District, Beijing
Twin Magnolias of Tanzhe Temple
On the east side of the Piluoge Pavilion inside Tanzhe Temple, there are two "Twin Magnolias" over 10 meters tall, providing over 20 square meters of shade. They typically enter their blooming period in late March to early April each year. The "Twin Magnolias" is a name bestowed by people - their original name is "Cinnabar Magnolia".
"Er Qiao" refers to the two beautiful daughters of Qiao Xuan from the Eastern Wu state during the Three Kingdoms period - Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. Because the "Cinnabar Magnolia" produces flowers of two colors - purple on top and white below - resembling two beauties of different styles, it was named the "Twin Magnolias".
"Of Beijing's three premier spring scenes, purple magnolias by the white stone steps are unmatched." On the east side below the Piluoge Pavilion at Tanzhe Temple are two purple magnolia trees, with trunks over a foot thick and reaching three to four zhang (10-13 meters) tall. Around April 10th each year is their peak blooming period, when the magnolia flowers burst open like brilliant clouds at sunset, creating a spectacular sight. Moreover, these two trees are over 400 years old.
Starting in 2005, whenever spring arrives, Tanzhe Temple holds a unique "Twin Magnolias Festival" during the blooming of the Twin Magnolias, heralding the arrival of the temple's peak tourist season. Using the flowers as a bridge, it welcomes visitors from all over. Tourists can come appreciate the magnificence of the magnolias and experience the Buddhist tranquility.
Address: No. 55, Area 5, Tanwang Road, Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing
Translator: TANG Yuxin
Reviewer: NIU Lihua
