The 'ancient - technical - beautiful' bonsai tree in Nghe An

Clip: Xuan Hoang - Quang An

Symbol in the middle of the jungle

The ancient banyan tree is located in the middle of the rolling hills of Giai Xuan commune, Tan Ky district, about 27m high, with a canopy nearly 40m wide.

What makes the tree special is its intricate roots, hanging down from above, embracing three large rocks that locals call Hon Da Troi, Hon Da Dat and the "giant" submerged rock below.

From afar, the tree creates a strong impression with its dense roots, like sturdy poles deeply embedded in the ground, helping the tree stand firmly amidst the harshness of nature and the changes of time.

The roots of the banyan tree tightly hug the giant rock. Photo: Quang An

The shape of this bonsai tree is considered by many bonsai experts to fully converge the elements of "antiquity - technique - beauty" and is considered "unique".

Under the canopy of the tree is a cool space, the branches intertwined like the image of "phoenix dancing dragon flying" very lively. The tree grows on an area of 6.1m above the ground, but thanks to its solid root structure, after going through big storms and tornadoes, the tree still stands tall as if challenging all the changes of nature.

The canopy of the banyan tree covers an area of hundreds of ^square meters. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Locals said that when they were born, they saw the tree standing tall between heaven and earth. Therefore, the people of Ke Mui hamlet have long considered the tree as a part of the village’s soul, calling it the “tree of unity”. No one dares to encroach or cut any branches on the tree trunk.

Since the tree was recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree in 2015, many people have come here not only to admire its majestic appearance but also to find a peaceful, quiet place in the middle of the mountains and forests.

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The local government attaches great importance to the preservation of this ancient banyan tree. Since being recognized as a heritage tree, the banyan tree has contributed to the formation of a new local eco-spiritual tourist destination. Many groups of visitors from inside and outside the province, especially those who love bonsai and folk culture, have come here to admire it.
Mr. Vu Ngoc Son - Chairman of People's Committee of Giai Xuan commune, Tan Ky district

The ancient banyan tree with its strange shape is also popularly known as the “chicken raspberry” tree - originating from the fact that the tree grows on rocks. Two rocks lie parallel, with a gap of about 30cm in the middle, creating a stable position for the top rock. The tree’s roots hug the 3 rocks tightly, creating a stable position like the image of a “raspberry” with a proud “rooster” on top.

This thousand-year-old banyan tree with its strange shape is popularly known as the "chicken raspberry" tree. Photo: Quang An

Potential for tourism development

Currently, one of the difficulties in promoting the tourism value of the Sanh tree is the inconvenient transportation. Although only about 4 km from the commune center, the road leading to the Sanh tree is a dirt road, making it difficult to travel during the rainy season.

birth 6(1) — People of Giai Xuan commune have long considered the tree as part of the village's soul, calling it the "tree of solidarity". Photo: CSCC

Mr. Vu Ngoc Son - Chairman of Giai Xuan Commune People's Committee said that in 2023, the locality had a general plan for the period 2020 - 2025, with a vision to 2035, accordingly, the ancient banyan tree was planned with an area of 15 hectares, including items: Traffic roads, parking lots, dams... Previously, in 2013, there was an enterprise that invested in building the campus.

This is the tourism development goal of Tan Ky, along with other natural and spiritual tourist attractions in the area such as Mo cave (Tien Ky commune), Thung Khien cave (Dong Van commune, Tan Hop), hot spring, Khe Sanh temple, milestone 0 - Ho Chi Minh road... can be completely connected into a series of attractive destinations.

Around this thousand-year-old banyan tree are several small lakes. Photo: Xuan Hoang — Around this ancient banyan tree are several small lakes. Currently, one of the difficulties in promoting the tourism value of the banyan tree is inconvenient transportation. Photo: Xuan Hoang

In the context of sustainable tourism development, this is a “gold mine” that needs to be invested in and effectively promoted - to not only be the pride of Tan Ky people, but also a unique destination of Nghe An./.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/cay-sanh-dang-the-co-ky-my-o-nghe-an-kiet-tac-thien-tao-10295528.html