The Big Marshal Cypress in Guangyuan, Sichuan province [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

In the spring of 1963, former Commander-in-Chief of the People's Liberation Army Zhu De visited Jiange county in Guangyuan, Sichuan province. During his visit, a local resident introduced him to a huge cypress, remarking, "This is a massive tree."

Due to differences in dialect, the statement sounded to some like, "This is a marshal tree," leading to the tree becoming popularly known as the "Big Marshal Cypress."

This ancient cypress, over 2,300 years old, is the largest tree in the cypress bay of the Cuiyun Corridor – a tree-lined route built during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) for travelers and traders. With a trunk so wide it takes five adults to encircle it, the Big Marshal Cypress is a commanding presence in the corridor.

Now equipped with a QR code, the Big Marshal Cypress allows visitors to scan and learn about its age and growth. This modern touch complements a long history of tree protection efforts in Guangyuan.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), officials and civilians were forbidden to cut down trees. Additionally, whenever a new official took office, they were required to count the number of ancient cypress trees in the area, with rewards or punishments handed out based on whether the number had increased or decreased.

In recognition of the efforts of those who planted and maintained them, these cypresses have grown into a verdant corridor, standing as guardians of the hardworking and brave people who pass by.