Geographic Location

Nestled in the northwest corner of Sike Gateway Campus at Southeast University in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, the Six Dynasties Pine stands as a living link to China’s ancient past. This towering juniper tree is easy to find: enter the campus from Sipailou Gate, walk past historic buildings, and follow the crowds or signs pointing toward this iconic spot. Nearby landmarks like Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake make it a perfect stop during a day of exploring Nanjing’s cultural heart.

Transportation Tips

Getting to Six Dynasties Pine is straightforward:

  • Metro: Take Line 3 to Jiming Temple Station (Exit 4). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk through the university’s gates.
  • Bus: Routes 6, 40, or 91 buses drop you near the campus.
  • Driving: Park at the university’s visitor lot (limited spaces, so arrive early).
    The campus itself feels like a mini time capsule, so combine your visit with a stroll around its vintage architecture.

Natural Splendor: A Living Monument

The Six Dynasties Pine isn’t just a tree—it’s a 20-meter-tall symbol of resilience. Its twisted branches and dense, emerald-green foliage have sheltered generations under its boughs. Even in winter, it stays evergreen, while spring brings a carpet of fallen pinecones around its base. Locals say it’s “Nanjing’s oldest resident,” watching over the campus like a silent guardian. Don’t miss the plaque explaining its age—over 1,500 years! Perfect for photos, especially on sunny days when sunlight filters through its needles.

Human History: A Story Through the Ages

This tree isn’t just old—it’s legendary. Legend has it that Emperor Wu of Liang (a sixth-century ruler) planted it himself in his royal garden. When wars destroyed the city, this lone survivor stood amid ruins, later becoming a quiet witness to the Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Academy and the Republic of China’s Two Jiang Normal School (which evolved into Southeast University). Today, it’s not just a tree but a symbol of how culture endures even after empires fall. The campus museums nearby even showcase artifacts from these eras, tying nature and history together.

Practical Visit Details

  • Free entry: The campus and tree are open to the public.
  • Best time to visit: Morning light highlights the tree’s texture, but afternoons offer softer shadows for photos.
  • Combine with: Walk to Ming Dynasty City Wall fragments near the campus or grab lunch at a student cafeteria for an authentic experience.
  • Guided tours: Join a university-led tour (check their website) to hear deeper stories about the tree and campus.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience

Unlike crowded tourist spots, Six Dynasties Pine feels peaceful. Sit on its surrounding benches, listen to students chatting in Chinese, and imagine 1,500 years of footsteps passing by. For a unique souvenir, pick up a leaf (if allowed) or buy a campus-themed postcard. If you’re lucky, you might catch a professor explaining the tree’s history to curious visitors—it’s part of Nanjing’s charm that the past lives so vividly in the present.

This ancient juniper isn’t just a photo op—it’s a portal to China’s layered history. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or curious traveler, Six Dynasties Pine offers a rare chance to touch Nanjing’s soul.