Awesome: The Guest-Welcoming Pine in the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Reputed as the most beautiful ancient tree in China, the 10-meter-tall Guest-Welcoming Pine is 1,000 years old and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area.
It sprang from the rocks and what makes it most recognizable is the long branch extending like an outstretched arm in a welcoming gesture. It is protected at the national level and was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Since 1998, a thorough physical examination has been carried out about every six years to track the tree's growth.