Beijing's ancient charm lies in its imperial gardens, former residences of celebrities, and old hutong streets... Over 3000 years of urban history and more than 870 years as the capital have left behind numerous cultural relics in Beijing. Accompanying these relics are the majestic and towering ancient and famous trees scattered throughout the city and countryside. With their evergreen foliage against the red walls and green tiles, they record the passage of time through each ring.

"Nine Embraces, Eighteen Branches" in Xinchengzi Town, Miyun District

Girth: 780 centimeters, Height: 18 meters, Canopy Width: 15 meters, Age: 3500 years

The "Nine Embraces, Eighteen Branches" in Miyun is a Platycladus orientalis, located in front of the ruins of the Guan Di Temple in Xinchengzi Village, Xinchengzi Town, Miyun District.. It holds the esteemed title of a first-class ancient tree.

Legend has it that this tree, planted during a certain period in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, boasts a trunk so vast that it requires at least nine individuals to encircle. Branching into eighteen limbs approximately 2 meters above the ground, it resembles a colossal umbrella, earning it the name "Nine Embraces, Eighteen Branches." This exceptional tree can be called the ‘most ancient cypress’ in Beijing, and is also the ‘first king of trees’ with the longest age among all the ancient trees in Beijing.

The Nine-Dragon Cypress of the Temple of Heaven

Girth: 368 centimeters, Height: 11.5 meters, Canopy Width: 6.7 meters, Age: 600 years

The "Nine-Dragon Cypress" in the Temple of Heaven Park is a Sabina chinensis, classified as a first-grade ancient tree, located outside the northwest corner of the Echo Wall. Legend tells of a time when Emperor Qianlong, during a visit to inspect the Imperial Vault of Heaven before a sacrificial ceremony, heard mysterious sounds emanating from behind the western hall. Following the sounds, he discovery nine snakes paying homage, only to see them disappearing beyond the enclosure wall. To his amazement, Emperor Qianlong beheld the "Nine-Dragon Cypress," realizing the snakes had transformed. Thus, he bestowed upon it the name "Nine-Dragon Cypress" or "Nine-Dragons Welcoming the Saint."

The Welcome Pine of Che’erying Village, Haidian District

Photo: Capital Landscaping and Afforestation

Girth: 350 centimeters, Height: 7 meters, Canopy Width: 16 meters, Age: 1000 years

The Chinese pine, affectionately known as the Welcome Pine, stands proudly in front of the Guan Di Temple in Fenghuangling Nature Scenic Area, Che'erying Village, Haidian District. Planted during the Liao Dynasty, it has stood for over a millennium, earning its reputation as one of Beijing's strongestancient pines. With one of its main branches extending long and gracefully toward the road, it seems to welcome passersby, thus earning its moniker "Welcome Pine."

The Nine-Dragon Pine of Jietai Temple, Mentougou District

Girth: 650 centimeters, Height: 18 meters, Canopy Width: 23 meters, Age: 1300 years

The Chinese white pine, affectionately known as the Nine-Dragon Pine, is a first-class ancient tree located at the southern gate of the outer courtyard of Jietai Temple in Mentougou District. Boasting a magnificent and imposing physique, it is characterized by its trunk dividing into nine branches, its bark covered in mottled scales and partially peeled, revealing a frosty complexion, resembling nine soaring silver dragons and seemingly guarding the altar, hence its name 'Nine-Dragon Pine'. Planted during the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty, it stands as the oldest and most renowned ancient white pine in Beijing, and indeed, in China and the world, having endured for over thirteen centuries.

Tanghuai Tree of Beihai Park

Girth: 596 centimeters, Height: 13 meters, Canopy Width: 9 meters, Age: 1200 years

The Chinese Scholar Tree, also known as the Tanghuai Tree of Beihai Park, stands proudly in the southwest corner of the Ancient Courtyard within the Huafangzhai Pavilion of Beihai Park in Xicheng District. Planted during the Tang Dynasty, it has earned its nickname "Tanghuai." Surrounded by meticulously arranged rocks, the tree's silhouette resembles a magnificent bonsai. Despite having a hollow trunk and most of its bark having peeled off, the surviving branches, sprouting vigorously upwards from the base, demonstrate remarkable resilience and vitality.

Emperor Tree of Tanzhe Temple in Mentougou district

Height: 30 meters, Girth: 1100 centimeters, Canopy Width: 18.5 meters, Age: 1300 years

The Chinese Maidenhair Tree, commonly known as the Emperor Tree, stands tall within the Pilu Pavilion of Tanzhe Temple in Mentougou District. Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, upon the death of each emperor, a branch of the Emperor Tree would break off. Conversely, with the ascension of each new emperor, a new trunk would emerge from the tree's roots, gradually integrating with the older trunk. Emperor Qianlong bestowed upon this tree the prestigious title of "Emperor Tree," the highest honor ever conferred by an emperor upon a tree. Esteemed monks in the north regard it as the Bodhi tree, symbolizing sanctity in Buddhism.

Elm Tree King of Ganjiadian Town, Yanqing District

Girth: 610 centimeters, Height: 21 meters, Canopy Width: 25 meters, Age: 600 years

The Elm Tree, revered as the Elm Tree King, stands tall in Paiziling Village, Ganjiadian Town, Yanqing District. Legend has it that this tree was planted during the reign of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di in the Ming Dynasty. Today, the ancient tree gracefully stands beside Baihe River, casting a radiant glow against the village, together forming a picturesque scenery.

Sour Jujube Tree King of Huashi

Girth: 393 centimeters, Height: 15 meters, Canopy Width: 11 meters, Age: 800 years

The Sour Jujube Tree, known as the Huashi Sour Jujube Tree King, grows within the residential compound of "Huashi Zaoyuan" in Dongcheng District. It originally grew at No. 14 Shangtang Hutong in Chongwen District and was preserved on site when the Huashi Street was redeveloped into a residential complex. Having withstood wind, rain, and lightning strikes over nearly a millennium, enduring frost and ice during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it remains lush and vigorous, blooming in spring and bearing fruit in autumn. It is cherished as a symbol of auspiciousness.

The Ancient Magnolia in the Summer Palace

Girth: 229 centimeters, Canopy Width: 7.4 meters, Age: 180 years, Height: 8.5 meters

This second-class ancient Magnolia tree stands beside the Inviting Moon Gate in the Summer Palace. It is the only ancient Magnolia tree within the palace grounds. During its blooming season, its pure white, large blossoms exude an elegant fragrance, that spreads far and wide, resembling a fragrant sea of snow, attracting numerous photography enthusiasts. It is a well-known sight for Beijing residents and a must-visit destination during the Magnolia blossom season.

Midget crabapple of the Song Soong Ching-ling Former Residence

Girth: 250 centimeters, Height: 6 meters, Canopy Width: 9 meters, Age: 200 years

Midget crabapple, also known as the Soong Ching-ling Former Residence’s Midget crabapple, is a second-class ancient tree that flourishes within the courtyard of the Soong Ching-ling Former Residence on the northern bank of Houhai in Xicheng District. Among Beijing's six ancient Midget crabapple trees, these two stands out, with relics from the Prince Chun Mansion located within the quaint courtyard of the Soong Ching-ling Former Residence. These two trees, blossoming with pink flowers in spring and adorned with red fruit in autumn, adding to the area's historical charm.