As autumn deepens, the ancient ginkgo trees in Qingpu's old temple quietly don their golden attire. They are witnesses of time and poets of the seasons, adding a touch of Zen and tranquility to the millennia-old temples.

In the early morning, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a glow on the stone path in front of the Guanyin Hall at Baoguo Temple. A thousand-year-old ginkgo tree stands majestically before the hall, like a wise sage. Below it, a stone carving of a young monk bows with hands clasped, surrounded by swirling golden leaves, creating a serene Zen tableau.

Such beauty attracts many photography enthusiasts who come to capture the most captivating moments of this ancient tree. "I've been coming here for several years, and every season, this thousand-year-old ginkgo moves me in a new way," says a photography enthusiastsurnamed Yao, as he adjusts his camera settings. The charm of this ancient ginkgo lies not only in its millennial rings but also in its ability to present a fresh spectacle each year.

This ginkgo, numbered 0004, is one of the eight existing thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in Shanghai and is the oldest tree in Qingpu. It was planted during the Five Dynasties period (907-979) and has long been a "treasure of the temple" at Baoguo Temple. It also served as a natural beacon on Dianshan Lake, guiding passing ships.

At Yihao Temple in the ancient town of Jinze, there stands a Southern Song Dynasty(1127-1279)ginkgo tree over 700 years old, quietly guarding the ancient temple. The tree does not bear fruit, stands over 25 meters tall, and has a circumference of 4.5 meters. It is visible from miles around and is the crown jewel of Jinze's ancient trees.

Now is the perfect time to visit, as the golden ginkgo leaves resemble exquisite stamps, sending the poetry of late autumn from ancient times to the present. Take advantage of the fine weather and invite a few friends to Qingpu's ancient temples to find a sense of inner peace.