Chongqing - Following the release of results from Chongqing’s sixth citywide survey of ancient and notable trees, the Chongqing Urban Management Bureau has introduced 10 “Tracing Urban Ancient Trees” City-Walk routes, inviting residents to explore the city’s natural and historical landmarks on foot.

The routes cover Yuzhong, Beibei, Nan’an, Wanzhou, Rongchang, Kaizhou, Bishan, Dazu, Liangping and Yunyang. Ranging from 1.5 to 15 kilometers, they take approximately 30 minutes to four hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can see banyan trees, camellias, camphor trees, ginkgoes and osmanthus, while exploring parks, old streets, traditional towns and historic buildings.

The “Chongqing: Tracing Urban Ancient Trees” City-Walk Route guide features 10 routes connecting ancient trees across the city. (Photo/Organizer)

In Yuzhong District, an 11-kilometer walking route begins at E’ling Park and passes Eling No.2 Factory Cultural & Creative Park, Chongqing Gymnasium and Chongqing Workers’ Cultural Palace, as well as Zhongshan Fourth Road, People’s Square and other local landmarks. Banyan trees provide shade along parts of the route, complementing the surrounding historic architecture.

In Beibei District, the approximately 2.5-kilometer route through Jingangbei Ancient Town features 25 officially registered trees over 100 years old, including one over 250 years old. Highlights include trees growing along old walls, intertwined trunks known locally as “husband-and-wife trees,” and a natural bridge formed by a tree over a stream. The town’s restoration has followed an approach that allows buildings to accommodate existing trees, preserving the relationship between the natural environment and historic architecture.

The Wanzhou District route starts at Taibaiyan, passes the Xishan Stele, Gaosuntang Square and Wangjiang Grand Stairway, and ends at a cluster of ancient camellia trees in Xishan Park. The route shows how century-old trees remain part of everyday urban life.

In Rongchang District, visitors can explore the ancient tree cluster at Banyan Tree Square, near the former site of the Rongchang County Party Committee and county government. The site dates back to the Ming Dynasty, when the county government office was located there. In 2023, the tree cluster was named one of China’s most beautiful ancient tree clusters. The route also connects Xiabu Town and Haitang Park.

Nan’an District offers a closer look at Chongqing’s camellia resources through a route centered on Nanshan Botanical Garden. The garden is home to more than 150 traditional Sichuan camellia varieties and over 150 ancient camellia trees more than 100 years old, many of which were preserved from former private gardens.

Among them is Tieke Zibao, a celebrated Sichuan camellia variety believed to be more than 400 years old. Only a narrow strip of bark remains on its trunk, helping keep the tree alive. At the former Wang family garden site, visitors can also find one Jinding Dahong and two Zijin Guan camellias, each nearly 300 years old. The trees remain in good condition and are known for their distinctive forms and seasonal blossoms.

Other routes highlight different aspects of Chongqing’s local landscape. In Kaizhou District, the route follows Hanfeng Lake and connects Kaizhou Ancient City with Liu Bocheng Memorial Hall. In Liangping District, it links Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park with urban parks. The Bishan route features the Confucian Temple and Xiuhu Park, while the Dazu route combines the area’s stone-carving heritage, historic streets and ancient trees.

A representative of the Chongqing Urban Management Bureau said the routes aim to bring residents closer to the city’s long-standing natural landmarks and help them understand ancient trees as “living archives” of Chongqing. The initiative also seeks to raise public awareness of their conservation and encourage greater participation in protecting the city’s green spaces.

By linking ancient trees with parks, neighborhoods and historic sites, the 10 “Tracing Urban Ancient Trees” City-Walk routes offer residents and visitors another way to explore Chongqing and learn about the natural landmarks that have grown alongside its communities.