The Guest Welcoming Pine

The Guest Welcoming Pine stands at the eastern side of Lanzhuyuan Hill, about 900 meters above sea level at the Halfway Gate to Heaven. It is up against a precipitous cliff with roots grasping bare rocks and the tree trunk leaning forward. The long branches stretch out above all others as if the pine tree is giving regards and waving to visitors.

The pine is the symbol of Mountain Taishan and has bestowed life on Mountain Taishan, transferring the feelings of Mountain Taishan to each visitor. Mr. Yang Xin, professor of aesthetics at Peking University once wrote a poem “Ode to Mountain Taishan” and made such lines as “High but climbable, magnificent but lovable. Pines and rocks are the bones of the mountain, and springs and fountains the heart.” He describes very aptly the relationship between the pine and Mountain Taishan.

The Guest Welcoming Pine has experienced various vicissitudes of life through wind and rain, yet it still stands loftily, making an imposing gesture as it has in the past. For several centruries, it has represented Mountain Taishan, head of the Five Sacred Mountains in China, greeting and encouraging each traveler to keep on climbing up the mountain. Now, whenever people see its unique posture, they will think of Mountain Taishan and feel welcome. It has become one of the most important symbols of Mountain Taishan.

Publishes at : 07-09-06 21:51

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