A millennium-old plum tree in Chaotang Village in Meizhou has become a winter sensation, transforming the quiet hillside community into a bustling tourist destination and driving local economic growth through ecological tourism.
The ancient tree, named "Chaotang Gongfen," is over 1,000 years old and recognized as a National First-Class Ancient Tree. Discovered in 1985, it has been authenticated by experts as a "Song Dynasty Plum (AD 960-1279)." Standing 11 meters tall with a canopy spread of 16 meters, it boasts lush, fragrant double-petaled pink blossoms. In 2016, it was honored as one of China's "most beautiful trees" by the Chinese Society of Forestry.
As the tree reached peak bloom this January, it captivated visitors from across the region. Social media buzzed with its images, and "weekend trips to Chaotang" became a seasonal tradition.
Beside a small plaza near the tree, locals set up stalls selling rural specialties, honey, herbs, vegetables, pomelos, and oranges. "There aren't many ways to earn money in the mountains. When the plum blooms, we come here to sell our goods."
Nearby, a tea pavilion built by the village collective offers visitors a scenic spot to enjoy tea while admiring the blossoms and the landscape.
The Chaotang plum tree now stands as a living symbol of Meizhou's ecological and cultural heritage, helping local residents thrive by sharing their "ecological wealth" with the world, transforming an ancient natural wonder into a vibrant driver of rural tourism.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
