Since mid-November, a magnificent Ginkgo tree, nestled beside the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in the Zhongnan Mountains, has been shedding its golden leaves, transforming the temple grounds into a vibrant sea of yellow. This annual spectacle, where this beautiful tree graces the landscape with a carpet of yellow foliage, attracts visitors from around the world.

The Ginkgo tree, often referred to as a “living fossil,” has remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years, defying the dramatic shifts in climate over time. It stands as a living link to the era when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

This particular 1,400-year-old Ginkgo tree is nestled within the walls of the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in the Zhongnan Mountain region of China. As its leaves gracefully fall, creating a vibrant golden ocean every autumn, tourists from near and far flock to witness this breathtaking sight. However, due to the ongoing global pandemic, only locals in China have been able to appreciate this natural wonder this year.

Golden leaves begin falling as early as October, turning the temple’s surroundings and the land into a radiant sea of yellow. It’s a perfect celebration of autumn. The Ginkgo tree’s “living fossil” status is well-deserved, having weathered all the climatic changes over 200 million years. Its endurance is truly fascinating, connecting us to the age of the dinosaurs.

Beyond the magic of its yellow fall foliage, this species of Ginkgo tree holds significant value. It not only serves as a source of sustenance but is also associated with various medicinal benefits recognized in traditional Eastern medicine.

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree, or just Ginkgo, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, with all other species now extinct. It is an ancient tree species, with fossils dating back 270 million years.