The Big Banyan Tree
6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) away from the County of Yangshuo, you will find a prominent and towering tree: the Big Banyan Tree. It has survived wind and rain over centuries since it was planted during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). It is also famous because the Chinese film 'The Third Sister Liu' was partly shot here. Thus a beautiful love story adds to the magic of this centuries-old tree.
This tree, measuring 7 meters (about 23 feet) in width and 17 meters (about 55.8 feet) in height has experienced extensive growth over the years. Although its stem is very old and its roots twist, its branches and leaves stretch out so lushly that the sunshine hardly penetrates its shadow. Sitting in its shadow on even the hottest day of the summer, you barely break out in a sweat. It is under this tree that The Third Sister Liu declared her admiration to her lover The A'niu.
The exact location of the Big Banyan tree of Yangshuo is the southern river bank in the Chuanyan village of Gaotian rural area. The big tree looks like a huge green umbrella from far distance but twisted roots only if you come closer. The river across the tree named Jinbao river, the big banya tree is regarded as the holy tree and gift of given by the god, therefore, the pray and sacrifice to the tree are continued all year around.
There is a small ferry down of the tree, and the ferry and banyan tree view is also one of the highlight sightseeing in Yangshuo. The famous old Chinese movie 'Liusan jie'(the sister Liu of Guilin) was once shot here, it was said that the sister Liu and the brother Aniu felt in love with each other here, and ferry and big banyan of Yangshuo was also the witness of their eternal love.
To the south of the Big Banyan Tree is Moon Hill. A village under the hill offers you a chance to experience true village life free from metropolitan stresses and troubles. Under a mysterious layer of haze you will find tranquil scenery comprised of leveled rice terraces, crystal brooks.
This sightseeing spot should definitely be incorporated into your travel plan.