In the early winter, the centuries-old ginkgo tree in Songjiadian Village, Pingshui Town, dons its golden attire. A gentle breeze rustles through, and a cascade of "golden rain" falls beneath the tree, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene that attracts numerous visitors to admire and capture photos.

This ancient tree is no newcomer—it has stood the test of time. According to the Songjiadian Village Chronicle, the tree was planted during the Qingyuan period of the Southern Song Dynasty, making it over 800 years old. Weathered by centuries, the tree now towers to a height of approximately 28 meters, and its stately presence can be seen from afar within the village. Up close, one is awestruck by its robust trunk and the dazzling canopy of golden leaves, making it a highly sought-after destination in early winter.

The reporter has learned that ginkgo trees are known as the elders of the tree world. Historically referred to as “white fruit,” they offer aesthetic, economic, and medicinal value. As one of the oldest gymnosperms that survived the Quaternary glaciation, the ginkgo tree is among the rarest species in the world and is often regarded as a "living fossil" in the plant kingdom.