Ancient trees are the most valuable ecological assets
CGTN

Sitting quietly outside the south gate of Beihai Park in the Chinese capital Beijing, Tuancheng is an ancient castle-like architecture housing dozens of trees that are hundreds of years old.

This Chinese red pine, over 800 years old, is the most famous tree on the site because its name "Marquis of Shade" was given by Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty.

A Chinese red pine

A Chinese red pine

Named "White Robe General," these two lacebark pines are over 800 years old. 490 years ago, money was taken from imperial budget to maintain their health.

A lacebark pine

A lacebark pine

Ancient trees in Tuancheng

Ancient trees in Tuancheng

(All photos taken by CGTN's Zhang Hao. )

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