In the town of Shihudang, southwest of Shanghai, in a little-known corner, a legendary pine tree stands quietly. It is known as the "first strange pine in the south of the Yangtze River". This ancient pine tree, after hundreds of years of wind, frost, rain and snow, is still flourishing, and has become a beautiful scenery in Shihudang Ancient Town.
The name podocarpus derives from its unique morphology. The trunk is stout, the canopy is luxuriant, and the shape resembles that of an arhat sitting cross-legged. In the sunlight, the branches and leaves of the podocarpus shimmer with an emerald sheen, giving it a sense of vitality. Although he has a lifespan of more than 700 years, podocarpus is still in good spirits, like a green elf guarding the ancient town.
This strange pine not only has a peculiar shape, but also has a profound historical and cultural connotation. According to legend, the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty visited this place during his southern tour and was greatly admired when he saw this peculiar pine tree. Since then, podocarpus has had the reputation of "the first strange pine in the south of the Yangtze River". In the hearts of the people of Guzhen, this pine tree not only represents the beauty of nature, but also symbolizes longevity and auspiciousness. Many tourists come here to catch a glimpse of this legendary pine tree.
Shihudang Ancient Town is a typical water town in the south of the Yangtze River, with small bridges and flowing water, white walls and tiles, antique streets and shops constituting its unique style. The podocarpus is located in the center of the ancient town, like a spirited old man, witnessing the prosperity and changes of the ancient town. Whenever the breeze blows, the branches and leaves of podocarpus sway, as if telling the story of the ancient town.
In addition to podocarpus, there are many attractions worth visiting in the ancient town. The Mingwang Temple and the Li Pagoda are the historical relics of the ancient town, and the Buddha statues in the temple and the carvings on the ancient pagoda show the exquisite skills of ancient craftsmen. In the streets and alleys of the ancient town, you can also taste authentic Jiangnan food, such as sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, xiao long bao, etc., which make tourists linger.
Shihudang Ancient Town is a little-known paradise, and podocarpus is the soul of this ancient town. With its tenacious vitality and unique form, it interprets the natural charm and cultural heritage of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. In the days to come, we hope that more people will be able to come here to appreciate the style of this legendary pine tree and feel the charm of Shihudang Ancient Town.
In this fast-paced modern society, Shihudang Ancient Town and Podocarpus provide us with a quiet and far-reaching corner. They allow us to slow down and feel the wonder of nature and the weight of history. Here, we seem to have traveled through the tunnel of time and space, returned to that antique era, and shared this beautiful scenery with the ancients.
When we leave this ancient town, the tall figure and unique form of podocarpus will always remain in our hearts. It is the iconic attraction of Shihudang Ancient Town, and it is also the green legend of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River. I hope that everyone who comes here can feel its charm and take away this tranquility and beauty.
In Shihudang Ancient Town, podocarpus is not only an ancient pine tree, but also a symbol of spirit and a cultural inheritance. The tree has survived hundreds of years of wind and rain, and people are inspired by this perseverance.
The Mingwang Temple and Li Pagoda next to the podocarpus are the witnesses of the history and culture of the ancient town. The majestic and solemn Buddha statues in the Mingwang Temple, and the exquisite and delicate carvings on the Li Pagoda, these monuments make people feel the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient town. In the streets and alleys of the ancient town, you can also taste authentic Jiangnan food, such as sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, xiao long bao, etc., which make people linger.
The shape of the podocarpus is peculiar, with a thick trunk and a lush canopy, which looks like an Arhat sitting cross-legged from a distance. Its foliage is like a large umbrella, covering the central square of the ancient town. Sunlight shines on the ground through the gaps in the leaves, forming patches of dappled light and shadow, like traces of time, witnessing the changes of the ancient town.
Podocarpus not only has a peculiar form, but also has a profound cultural connotation. In the hearts of the people of Guzhen, podocarpus is a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness. Whenever someone celebrates their birthday, the people of the ancient town come to the Luohan Pinasonic to pray for longevity and happiness. Therefore, podocarpus has become the spiritual sustenance of the ancient town and people's belief.
In addition to podocarpus, there are many attractions in Shihudang Ancient Town that are worth visiting. The Mingwang Temple and the Li Pagoda are the historical relics of the ancient town, and the Buddha statues in the temple and the carvings on the ancient pagoda show the exquisite skills of ancient craftsmen. In the streets and alleys of the ancient town, tourists can also taste authentic Jiangnan food, such as sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, xiao long bao, etc., so that tourists will not want to leave.
In Shihudang Ancient Town, people can not only feel the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town, but also experience the value of traditional culture. Here, visitors can try their hand at various traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, embroidery, clay sculptures, and more. These handicrafts are the crystallization of the wisdom and skills of the people of the ancient town, and each one is full of strong local characteristics and cultural atmosphere.
In short, Shihudang Ancient Town is a place full of history and cultural heritage. Not only do you have ancient podocarpus, delicious food and beautiful scenery to enjoy, but you can also experience traditional handicrafts. If you want to feel the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns and experience the value of traditional culture, then Shihudang Ancient Town is a place not to be missed.