The Sleeping-Dragon Pagoda Tree

The Sleeping-Dragon Pagoda Tree is located at the middle section of the mid-route, outside the west gate of the Doumu Palace (the Palace of Goddess Doumu). It was planted in the Ming Dynasty and was struck by lightning. The trunk topped to the ground, bred roots and grew the branches 8 meters away like the very image of the sleeping dragon holding up its head, and trying to fly. It is a well-known sight of Mountain Taishan.

The pagoda trees are also called “the national trees”, and are as famous as the pine trees and cypresses on Mountain Taishan. There are altogether more than 30 ancient pagoda trees in the scenic spots on Mountain Taishan and are all called “the National Trees of the Tang Dynasty”. It was recorded in history books that the pagoda trees were favored in the Tang Dynasty. Both sides of the streets before the royal palaces were planted with pagoda trees, and arranging the formation just like ministers lined up to embark on a journey. Tang Gaozong and Tang Xuanzong, two emperors of the Tang Dynasty, made pilgrimages and bestowed honorable titles on Mountain Taishan and planted the pagoda trees throughout their journeys in order to demonstrate the emperor's impressive power. The emperors of successive dynasties followed suit and constantly planted the Pagoda trees. New trees together with the old ones have formed the scenery of Mountain Taishan.

The pagoda tree is strong in adaptability and long in life. The tree shape is thinly scattered, natural and unrestrained. So it is the tree for viewing and has been made the “City Tree” by Tai'an City. Planted along both sides of the streets and roads, the trees are very simple and naturally graceful.

Publishes at : 07-09-06 21:53

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