Longmenchang: Fujian’s Largest Ancient Ginkgo Forest

Fujian’s Largest Ancient Ginkgo Grove Fujian Provincial Photography Base

Nestled in Zhongxian Township of Youxi County, the birthplace of Zhu Xi, lies the largest ancient ginkgo forest in Fujian Province. Famous for its long history, fascinating legends and gorgeous scenery, it has become a popular destination for science education, cultural exploration and leisure tourism.

Within the several-hundred-mu woodland of Longmenchang, there stand nearly 300 ancient ginkgo trees. In spring, new shoots turn the whole forest lush green. When autumn brings crisp weather, the grove is bathed in golden yellow. Every ginkgo tree seems clad in golden armour, with fan-shaped leaves shimmering brightly. The development of ecological science education and eco-tourism has earned this ancient woodland the label of “popular science and green tourism destination”.

The picturesque ancient ginkgo trees blend still scenery with natural vitality, enchanting every visitor.

These ginkgoes have thrived for more than 700 years. Their average trunk diameter exceeds 50 centimetres, and the thickest one measures over 160 centimetres across. The tallest tree rises more than 20 metres, with a crown spanning the same width. Despite centuries of vicissitudes, these ancient trees remain vigorous, tall and luxuriant.

Ginkgo leaves are the trees’ greatest beauty. Their seasonal colour shifts create unique natural landscapes. In midsummer, whether at sunset or under the starry sky, local families gather under the trees to enjoy the cool shade of this natural “air-conditioned oxygen bar”, forming an idyllic rural scene.

Every autumn, nearly 300 seven-hundred-year-old ginkgoes enter their harvest season. The thick foliage hides clusters of pale yellow ginkgo nuts like strings of pearls. It is estimated that more than 30 tons of ginkgo seeds will be harvested this year, bringing local farmers over 600,000 yuan in extra income at current market prices.

Ginkgo trees spread across the mountains around Longmenchang. The whole village is embedded deep in the grove: houses stand beneath golden branches. Most dwellings still retain the traditional wooden architectural style of central Fujian, simple and elegant. A clear brook winds slowly through the hamlet, filling the ancient village with vitality. Human settlement and nature exist in perfect harmony here.

A paved county road now runs directly from Longmenchang to downtown Youxi. The charming scenery draws an increasing number of sightseers and history lovers. As eco-tourism booms in Youxi County, local authorities are developing Longmenchang into an integrated resort for popular science, cultural exploration and sightseeing, adding another top scenic spot to Youxi.

Youxi Expressway Exit → 25 km → Downtown Youxi Head towards Banmian Township → 13 km → Turn left at Qingxikou Bridge (before reaching Banmian Township) → 13 km → Qingxi Village, Taixi Township → 13 km → Jianxi Village, Zhongxian Township → 6 km → Longmenchang Natural Village

The entire journey is paved with concrete roads and easy to drive on