<img src=' alt='A senior engineer from a local garden and forestry research institute introduces visitors to the science behind the ancient trees at Guishan Park in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on March, 11, 2026. /VCG'
In Wuhan, central China, residents gathered in a city park to greet a very special neighbor – a Chinese hackberry tree that has stood there for 120 years.
<img src=' alt='A senior engineer from a local garden and forestry research institute introduces visitors to the science behind the ancient trees at Guishan Park in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on March, 11, 2026. /VCG'
On March 11, 10 residents visited Guishan Park to hug the towering tree and offer their good wishes. The gathering marked the launch of a new city campaign inviting residents to hug and care for Wuhan’s ancient trees, encouraging people to connect with and help protect the city’s oldest living landmarks.
<img src=' alt='A senior engineer from a local garden and forestry research institute introduces visitors to the science behind the ancient trees at Guishan Park in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on March, 11, 2026. /VCG'
The tree itself stands along a ridge path in the park. Standing around 28 meters tall, it has a trunk circumference of 3.6 meters – so wide that four adults linking arms are needed to encircle it. To safeguard the century-old giant, park managers have built a protective ring around its base and installed support lines among the branches.
<img src=' alt='Visitors hold hands in circle to hug a 120-year-old tree at Guishan Park in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on March, 11, 2026. /VCG'
As part of the event, a senior engineer from a local garden and forestry research institute introduced visitors to the science behind the ancient trees, explaining how experts estimate their age and read the clues hidden in growth rings. Participants then took turns embracing the tree – some alone, others joining hands to wrap their arms around the massive trunk while offering quiet words of blessing.
Guishan has eight registered ancient trees. They are often described as the city’s “green relics” – living pieces of natural and cultural heritage.