Sophora japonica (a natural wonder with a long history) in Hongdong County, Shanxi Province

Hongtong County, located in the middle of Shanxi Province, is a place with a long history and rich culture. One of the most famous scenic spots in Hongtong County is Sophora japonica. Sophora japonica is an ancient tree over 3000 years old, which is known as the natural wonder of Hongdong.

1. History of Sophora japonica

Sophora japonica is located in the center of Hongtong County, which is one of the landmark scenic spots in Hongtong County. According to the research of archaeologists, the age of Sophora japonica has exceeded 3000 years, which can be traced back to the late Shang Dynasty. In ancient Chinese literature, there are also records about Sophora japonica. Known as "the first tree in Hongdong", it is the pride of Hongdong County.

2. Characteristics of Sophora japonica

Sophora japonica is about 25 meters high, with a crown width of 30 meters and a trunk circumference of 10 meters. Dense crown, thick trunk, rough bark and thick root system. Sophora japonica has lush foliage and evergreen seasons, giving people a feeling of lush everywhere. Every spring, the pagoda tree will be full of white flowers, emitting a faint fragrance of flowers, attracting many tourists to watch.

3. Protection of Sophora japonica

Because Sophora japonica has a high historical and cultural value, the Hongtong county government has always attached great importance to the protection of Sophora japonica. They formulated a series of measures to ensure that Sophora japonica can get a good growth environment and proper protection. First of all, they set up a protected area around the big pagoda tree, and people were forbidden to enter at will. Secondly, they regularly prune and control the pests and diseases of Sophora japonica to ensure the healthy growth of Sophora japonica. At the same time, they also strengthened the publicity and education of Sophora japonica and raised people's awareness of protecting Sophora japonica.

4. Steps to visit Sophora japonica

If you want to visit the locust tree in Hongtong County in person, here are some steps for your reference:

Step 1: Choose the right time. Hongtong county has four distinct seasons, and spring and autumn are the best tourist seasons. The temperature is high in summer and low in winter, which is not suitable for traveling.

Step 2: Know the traffic situation. Hongtong county has convenient transportation, so you can choose to take the train, plane or car. If you choose the train, you can get off at Hongtong County Railway Station. If you choose a plane, you can get off at the nearby airport; If you choose a car, you can choose to take a long-distance bus or drive yourself.

Step 3: Choose the right accommodation. Hongtong county has various accommodation options, including star hotels, farmhouses and hotels. You can choose suitable accommodation according to your own needs and budget.

Step 4: Visit the locust tree. After arriving in Hongtong County, you can take local public transportation to Dahuaishu. There is a special sightseeing area around the big pagoda tree, where you can enjoy the magnificent scene of the big pagoda tree. At the same time, you can also visit nearby scenic spots and learn more about the history and culture of Hongtong County.