An 800-year-old banyan tree that grows into a forest has become a wonderful sight in Hainan China

In Ding'an County, Hainan Province, the southernmost province of China, there is a village called Houling Village, where there is an ancient banyan tree that is very tall and over 800 years old. The luxuriant tree has leafy branches that look like a huge dome canopy. It looks like a forest from a distance, and has become a unique local scenery.

It is said that there are more than 260 trunks connected to the ground, covering an area of more than 6,500 square meters that is close to the area of a standard football field. Thus, the tree is known as the " Banyan King in Asia". It is worshiped as a god in the eyes of the local villagers, who often pray for safety in front of the tree. Tourists at home and abroad who pay a visit to it will be shocked by the splendid sight.

Located in the northeast of the central Hainan Island, Ding'an County has a long history with rich cultural and tourism resources. It is the birthplace of Hainan Qiongju Opera and known as the "Hometown of Qiongju Opera". In the county, there are tropical volcanic cold springs. It is also the hometown of Zhang Yuesong, the only Tanhualang( a scholar that ranks the third in the ancient imperial competitive examination) in Hainan. (end)

Locals gave shows in front of the "Asian Banyan King". The Photo was provided by Ding'an County Party Committee

The ancient banyan tree in Ding'an, known as the "Banyan King in Asia", creates a splendid scene that "a single tree grows into a forest". Photo by Ling Nan

The ancient banyan tree in Ding'an,known as the " Banyan King in Asia", is 800 years old and creates a splendid scene that "a single tree grows into a forest". Photo by Ling Nan