Leaves on the ancient ginkgo tree turn bright golden in autumn. [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]

A ginkgo tree more than 700 years old standing on the side of Tianmashan Mountain is a marvelous sight in Shanghai where a touch of autumn still lingers.

It is the oldest tree around a range of mountains in the region. It looks very tall and gold in color, invigorating the landscape of the mountain with its leaves.

It is said that the tree was planted by General Zhou Wenda during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Despite the ups and downs of mankind over the centuries, the tree has continued to thrive.

Next to the tree is the famous Huzhu Pagoda, which is known for leaning at an angle greater than that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The two have accompanied each other for a long time. Local legend has it that the tree is the giant hand of the god of mountains ensuring the pagoda doesn't fall over.

A view of the ancient ginkgo tree from the ground [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]

The ancient ginkgo tree and the Huzhu Pagoda stand out on the mountainside. [Photo/WeChat account: sheshanlvyou]