During any visit to China, you will encounter tour guides telling tales of ancient trees in temple courtyards. Certainly one of the finest examples must be the Jiulong Pine Tree (or Nine-Dragon Pine), found inside Jietai Temple, and said to be over 1,300 years old.

Jietai Temple

Built during the Tang Dynasty, the temple is a tree lover's delight with the main complex liberally dotted with ancient pines, many of which have their own quirky names.

Travel tips:

Address: South of Maanshan, Mentougou District, Beijing

Tel: 86 10 6980 6611

Opening hours: Daily (8 :00 – 17:00)

How to Get There: Take Bus You 7 at Qianmen or 335 at Fuchengmen or Take 931 at Pingguoyuan

Admission Ticket: 35 yuan