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Visitors can take a walk under the ancient Ginkgo trees, which are over a thousand years old, offering both cultural and natural experiences. The site is perfect for photography, picnics, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Youxi County, the birthplace of Zhu Xi, the renowned Neo-Confucianist and educator of the Southern Song Dynasty, also boasts the largest number of extant ancient ginkgo trees in Fujian Province. A survey reveals 353 trees, primarily concentrated in the villages of Shanlin, Ji'an, and Jianxi in Zhongxian Township, and Lianyun, Xiayun, Yunshan, and Dongbian in Lianhe Township. While ancient ginkgo trees are generally scattered, the county boasts the largest cluster of ancient ginkgo trees in the province: the Longmenchang Ancient Ginkgo Cluster in Zhongxian Township. Research indicates that the Longmenchang Ginkgo Cluster is over 700 years old, encompassing 296 trees within a 100-mu (approximately 160-180-acre) area. The cluster has an average diameter at breast height of 50 cm, with the largest reaching 160 cm. There were originally nearly 500 ancient ginkgo trees in Longmenchang, but in the 1970s, nearly 200 were tragically cut down for land reclamation.
Legend has it that the ginkgo trees at Longmen Field are connected to the local silver mines. The silver here is of exceptional quality, and the emperor, particularly fond of it, ordered a court minister to Longmen Field to organize the mining and silver refining process. It's said that in ancient times, silver refining recipes using ginkgo as a primary ingredient produced silver of exceptionally pure quality. However, Longmen Field lacked ginkgo trees, forcing them to be purchased from other regions, a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly undertaking. To ensure the continued existence of the silver refining industry, the minister managed to introduce ginkgo trees to Longmen Field, leading to the widespread growth of ginkgo forests.
The "Youxi County Ancient Ginkgo Forest Park," characterized by its ancient ginkgo trees, is rich in natural beauty and has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It features the mysterious Gulong Cave, the ubiquitous remains of ancient silver refining, ancient dwellings typical of central Fujian, ancient country roads steeped in history, the simple and unsophisticated folk customs, as well as the cultural relics of Zhu Xi and the fascinating legend of the King of Fujian and Prince Consort Lu—all of which are vividly captured by photographers! Today, as a photography creation base in Fujian Province, the Ancient Ginkgo Park has become a new hotspot for Youxi tourism.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
The ancient ginkgo trees in Longmenchang.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Longmenchang Ancient Ginkgo is an ancient grove featuring ginkgo trees that have stood for over a thousand years, making it a symbol of resilience and longevity. It holds cultural and historical significance, with the trees being revered for their age and beauty.
Located in Longmenchang Village, Fujian Province, this attraction is accessible by taxi or private car. Public transportation options are limited, so it's best to use a taxi or rent a vehicle from the nearest city.
The Longmenchang Ancient Ginkgo is open year-round, with the best time to visit being in late autumn when the ginkgo trees are at their golden peak. The site is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is around ¥30. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit, and there's currently no option to buy them online.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but if visiting during peak seasons like autumn, it's recommended to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
A visit to the Longmenchang Ancient Ginkgo typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend enjoying the natural beauty and photography opportunities.
The main highlight is the ancient Ginkgo grove itself, where visitors can admire the towering trees. The surrounding nature and peaceful walking paths are also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available, and they are generally offered in Mandarin. Audio guides in Mandarin are also available for a self-guided experience.
The best photography spots are around the central Ginkgo trees, especially in the autumn months when the leaves turn golden. The surrounding natural landscapes also offer great scenic backdrops for photos.
Start by walking along the main path to the central Ginkgo grove, then explore the surrounding areas at your own pace, enjoying the trees and the natural beauty of the site. There are several benches for resting along the way.
Night visits are not available as the site closes by 6:00 PM. However, there are no regular light shows or special tours, but the trees' beauty during the day, especially in autumn, is a highlight.
The site can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, particularly in autumn when the ginkgo trees are at their most picturesque. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays during the morning or early afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available on-site. There are no major food or water stations, so visitors should bring their own water and snacks. There are no souvenir shops.
The site is accessible to elderly and children, with well-maintained walking paths. However, it may not be fully suitable for visitors with severe mobility impairments, as some areas may involve uneven terrain.
Cash is accepted at the entrance, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted.
There are no restaurants or cafes within the attraction itself, but there are a few local eateries in Longmenchang Village where you can sample Fujian cuisine.
Some local restaurants in Longmenchang Village offer vegetarian options, though there may be limited vegan and halal food choices.
There are basic hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Sanming, which is around an hour away by car. For more luxury options, you may need to stay in the larger cities nearby.
Other nearby attractions include the Sanming City Museum and the Guanzhai Mountain Scenic Area. These can be easily combined for a day trip if you have a car.
There are no souvenir shops at the Longmenchang Ancient Ginkgo site. However, you may find traditional crafts and local snacks in nearby villages and towns.
The best option to continue your trip after visiting is by taxi or private car, as public transportation is limited in this rural area. Renting a car is recommended for more flexibility.
