This ancient tree is believed to have been planted by the Yellow Emperor, the founder of Chinese civilization, over 5,000 years ago.
Within the tomb complex of the Yellow Emperor on Mount Qiaoshan (Shaanxi Province, northwest China), there stands a cypress tree that is said to have been personally planted by the Yellow Emperor, a legendary king in Chinese mythology, more than 5,000 years ago.
The cypress tree believed to be 5,000 years old at the Yellow Emperor’s tomb in Shaanxi Province, China. (Photo: Sohu)
There has been much debate regarding the age of this cypress tree. Many Chinese experts believe it is only over 2,000 years old. A British expert later conducted research and testing, concluding that this ancient tree is nearly 4,000 years old.
However, subsequent studies on the climate of Shaanxi, the growth environment of the cypress, and references from a wealth of ancient texts led scholars to believe that the cypress tree is indeed as old as the more than 5,000 years of Chinese history.
The age of the Yellow Emperor’s cypress tree parallels the length of Chinese history. (Photo: Sohu).
According to Baidu Encyclopedia, the Yellow Emperor (the character “Huang” in his name differs from the character “Huang” used in the title of emperors in feudal China) was born as Xuanyuan. His existence in history is steeped in mythology.
After defeating the tribe of Xiyu and unifying the Yellow River basin, the Yellow Emperor established laws, standards, and implemented “rule by virtue” to govern his kingdom.
During his reign, the Yellow River civilization began to develop written language, mathematical calculations, and numerous innovations in music, medicine, and more, alongside advancements in agriculture, animal husbandry, and textiles. Thus, the Yellow Emperor is revered as the “Ancestor of the Chinese Nation.”
The cypress tree is said to have been planted by the Yellow Emperor over 5,000 years ago. (Photo: Baidu).
According to legend, to address the rapid development of civilization, the people excessively exploited timber, leading to soil erosion and flooding. Recognizing the disaster’s cause, the Yellow Emperor personally planted a cypress tree on Mount Qiaoshan to encourage the populace to actively plant trees and prevent deforestation.
As a result, this cypress is also referred to as the Yellow Emperor’s Cypress. The tree stands over 20 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 7.8 meters and a canopy area covering 178 m2.
The tree’s functions have somewhat diminished due to aging over the past 5,000 years. (Photo: Baidu).
After enduring over 5,000 years of wind and rain, the aging process has diminished the tree’s functions. The Shaanxi Forestry Bureau has warned that the tree is in a state of danger.
In 2013, Chinese scientists launched a project to clone the Yellow Emperor’s cypress to preserve the genetic resources of this valuable ancient tree.
Scientists have noted that due to the tree’s extreme age, cloning has proven to be quite difficult, with a success rate of less than 1% for rooting. Fortunately, a second-generation clone has been obtained after 3 to 5 years.
