Ancient temple, ginkgo tree included in national preservation list

​​The main hall of Zhenru Temple and an ancient ginkgo tree have stood together for nearly 650 years. [Photo/WeChat account: shputuo]

At Zhenru Temple in Shanghai's Putuo district, an ancient hall and a centuries-old ginkgo tree have stood side by side for around 650 years.

Recently, they were included in the first batch of nationally recognized pairs of cultural relics and ancient trees protected together.

The pair is the only one from Shanghai among the 28 recognized nationwide.

​The main hall of Zhenru Temple in Putuo district, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shputuo]

The main hall of Zhenru Temple is the only surviving wooden structure in Shanghai built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and is now 700 years old.

As a nationally protected cultural heritage site, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen and the city's ongoing commitment to preservation.

The ginkgo tree, planted during the temple's founding period, grows in front of the hall and is about 650 years old.

​The ancient ginkgo tree standing in front of the main hall of Zhenru Temple. [Photo/WeChat account: shputuo]

"I've been working with this ancient tree for 15 years," said Yin Ying from the Putuo district landscaping management center.

"The enduring vitality of the tree, which allows it to flourish for centuries, can be attributed not only to its inherent resilience but also to the scientific and systematic protection efforts that have been diligently implemented."

The Putuo district administration of culture and tourism has stated that the recognition is a full acknowledgment of the district's cultural preservation efforts, and it pledged to collaborate with relevant units to ensure the systematic protection of cultural relics and ancient trees.