Citizens passing by Yuquan Hospital on Shijingshan Road are often drawn to two ancient ginkgo trees in front of the hospital. These two ancient trees, with an age of approximately 700 years, not only witnessed the rise and fall of the Lingfu Temple in ancient times but also left behind a remarkable story of national leaders protecting ancient trees. Today, the Shijingshan landscaping department has undertaken the protection and rejuvenation of these two ancient trees, and has constructed the "Lingfu Ginkgo" Ancient Tree Theme Park nearby, adding another great spot for citizens to relax, stroll, connect with nature, and explore history.
Walking approximately 500 meters west from Yuquan Road Station, the two ancient ginkgo trees stand tall on the north side of the road's green belt. According to the registration plates on the trees, both ginkgo trees were planted in the Yuan Dynasty, about 700 years ago, making them first-class ancient trees. Upon closer observation, the ginkgo tree on the east side is taller and larger, with a trunk requiring the hands of five adults to encircle it.
"The ancient ginkgo tree on the east side is 18 meters tall, with a crown width of 15 meters and a diameter at breast height of 2.34 meters, while the one on the west side is slightly smaller, measuring 14 meters tall, with a crown width of 13 meters and a diameter at breast height of 1.46 meters," explained a responsible person from the Shijingshan District, Beijing Gardening and Greening Bureau. "Due to changes in the environment and increasing age, both ginkgo trees have experienced issues such as hollowing, local decay, and nutrient deficiency. Therefore, as tree doctors we have conducted diagnoses and treatments, including simulated repairs, additional supports, anti-corrosion treatments, rejuvenation wells, and ventilation holes, to protect and rejuvenate the ancient trees."
Specifically, the east-side ginkgo tree has longitudinal cracks, exposing large tree cavities. To address this problem, a composite resin material was used in the simulated repair process to seal the cracks. This material, with its flexibility, durability, plasticity, and certain hardness, not only serves as internal support but also does not hinder the growth of the ancient tree. Additionally, two hoops were installed at the top to help the ancient tree form a complete structure.
Simulation supports were also added to both sides of the ancient tree, with the support rods externally treated to mimic tree bark, allowing them to blend better with the ancient trees. Furthermore, soil improvement, addition of ventilation holes and rejuvenation wells, and application of organic fertilizer were carried out to help the root systems of the ancient trees breathe better.
These two ancient ginkgo trees were once closely associated with the Lingfu Temple. According to historical records, during the Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Shizu of Yuan built the Lingfu Temple in memory of the eminent monk Haiyun Zen Master and planted these two ginkgo trees. Subsequently, amidst wars and urban development, Lingfu Temple gradually disappeared, leaving behind only these two ancient ginkgo trees as the sole witnesses to the ancient temple.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, these two ancient trees continued to witness the development and changes in Beijing. When the Subway Line 1 was constructed, these two ancient trees happened to be located at the planned site of the Yuquan Road station entrance. To protect the ancient trees, Premier Zhou Enlai personally instructed the modification of the metro construction plan, extending the distance between the Yuquan Road station and the Babao Mountain station, thus avoiding the location of the ancient trees and creating a memorable chapter in the history of the capital's metro construction.
Unveiling of the brand-new Ancient Tree Theme Park
Due to the proximity of these two ancient trees to the extended line of Chang'an Street, the narrow sidewalks make it difficult for people to stop and appreciate them. Therefore, the staff of the Shijingshan District, Beijing Gardening and Greening Bureau have deliberately opened up a brand-new Ancient Tree Theme Park in the inner green belt, adding winding stone paths and informative signboards. It has been named "Lingfu Ginkgo," allowing citizens to easily access nature, admire the ancient trees, and learn about their history amid lush greenery and flowers.
In recent years, the Shijingshan District has been continuously exploring and researching new models for the overall protection of ancient trees and their surrounding environments. In 2021, the Beijing International Sculpture Park's island-themed garden for ancient trees was built, while in 2022, the "Linggen Gubo" ancient tree protection community was established within the ancient architectural complex of Shijingshan. With the completion of the "Lingfu Ginkgo" Ancient Tree Park this year, Shijingshan will also implement four projects for the overall protection of ancient tree habitats in the Women and Children's Activity Center, North China University of Technology, Badachu Park, and Fahai Temple Forest Park. These projects aim to not only rejuvenate and protect ancient trees but also improve their surrounding growth environments, promote knowledge about ancient trees, and enhance public awareness of ancient tree protection.
Translator: JIANG Wenyi
Reviewer: Ding Hongwei
