Tongliang Ancient Banyan Tree Introduction
The old banyan tree in front of the Baoan Temple in Tongliang Village, which is over 300 years old, is the largest sacred tree in Penghu. It has a total of 95 aerial roots, and its shade covers the open space in front of the temple, creating a square for resting and cooling off. If one does not observe carefully, it is hard to believe that all the branches come from the same tree. As for the history of this ancient banyan, there is no definitive answer. One legend states that during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, a merchant ship passed through the Houmen Sea near Tongliang but unfortunately encountered a maritime disaster. The only survivor was a sapling that drifted ashore at Tongliang, which was then picked up by the villagers and planted in front of the temple. Based on this, it is estimated that the ancient banyan of Tongliang might be over 300 years old. Another legend suggests that the ancient banyan could be only 200 years old, based on the planting habits of the Chinese, which typically involve planting trees after a temple is established. Given the history of the Baoan Temple being about 200 years old, the ancient banyan might indeed be 100 years younger than the legend suggests. Regardless of which story is correct, the spectacle of the ancient banyan's shade is worth visiting. For locals, the extensive shade of the Tongliang ancient banyan serves as a place to rest, play chess, and drink tea. On a hot summer day, when you visit, take the time to slow down or pause and enjoy a moment of leisure "under the great tree's shade."
