A thousand-year-old ancient ginkgo tree is hidden in this lesser-known temple by Dianshan Lake

This time, I took my dog cycling around Dianshan Lake and finally caught the most beautiful season of this lesser-known temple—the autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow. This temple is located by Dianshan Lake and next to National Highway 318, making it very suitable for self-driving. 🍂 This is Baoguo Temple, originally the Guan Di Shrine from the 13th year of the Chongzhen era, also called Guan Wang Temple. In 1985, Guan Wang Temple was renovated, preserving the Ming Dynasty architectural style. In 1989, the president of the Shanghai Buddhist Association and abbot of Jade Buddha Temple, Master Zhen Chan, expanded the Guan Di Temple, turning it into a branch of Jade Buddha Temple and named it Baoguo Temple, meaning to serve the country. 🍂 Even for those who don’t like visiting temples, the ancient ginkgo inside Baoguo Temple is truly worth seeing. This ancient ginkgo is the oldest ginkgo tree currently existing in Shanghai. 🌲 With a tree age of 1,050 years, planted during the Five Dynasties period, it is the oldest and largest ginkgo tree in the Shanghai area. 🌲 It is listed as ancient tree number 0004 in Shanghai and is one of the eight surviving thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in Shanghai. 🌲 The tree circumference is 6 meters, height 36.5 meters, and the east-west crown diameter is 17 meters. Once inside the temple, you will be surrounded by golden yellow leaves. 🌲 This tree is also legendary; it was once struck by lightning, hollowed out at the core, yet it has survived for a thousand years. 🌲 This tree is not only a symbol of Baoguo Temple but also a navigation mark for Dianshan Lake, guiding the boats coming and going. Seeing this ancient ginkgo means you are home. Over the long course of history, the surrounding buildings have changed, but this thousand-year-old ginkgo remains standing forever. 🌈 Tips: ✔️ Dogs are not allowed inside; pets are not welcome, but you can admire the ancient tree from the entrance with your dog. ✔️ This place is more suitable for self-driving, and there are plenty of parking spaces at the entrance. ✔️ Weekends tend to be crowded, so it’s recommended to come earlier. 🗒️ Shanghai Baoguo Temple 📍 No. 452, Dianfeng Village, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District 🕒 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 💰 Free 🌸 Recommended visit time: 1 hour