Big Banyan Tree

The Big Banyan Tree is six kilometres south of Yangshuo. The tree is about 20 metres high, 7 metres around the trunk and covers an area of 1000 square metres. How does the tree can cover so large area? It is because of the aerial roots. There are lots of aerial roots growing down from the branches. At the biginning they are very small, but when they reach the the ground they will grow into the soil and become bigger and bigger. When they are big enough they can support the branches and make branches to go further outside. And then have more roots from the branches to support them. Besides supporting the branches, the aerial roots can also help the tree to breathe air.

Big Banyan Tree is looked on as asacred tree by the local people, and a lot food is offered to the tree by the locals on some festivals. The people believe that the tree can bring them good luck in doing so.