Century-old zelkova tree in Zhongshan Park recognized as protected ancient tree

A century-old zelkova tree located in Zhongshan Park has been designated as an ancient tree under Grade II protection by the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.

The history of this zelkova tree dates back to 1921. At that time, when the northwestern part of Zhongshan Park was developed into Shanghai's first public zoo, the tree took root beside the Peacock Pond, growing quietly as part of the habitat vegetation for the zoo's bird population.

In 1964, when the zoo relocated to what is now Shanghai Zoo, the Peacock Pond was transformed into a landscape pond. The construction team, recognizing the zelkova's slow growth and precious tree form, carefully protected and transplanted it to the Chen Family Pond, ensuring the ancient tree's survival amidst urban renewal.

As a nationally protected wild plant species, the zelkova tree stands tall with an elegant silhouette, its leaves turning reddish in autumn, making it one of Shanghai's high-quality native ornamental species for autumn foliage. Its wood is hard and dense, earning it the reputation as the "king of hardwoods." More importantly, its developed root system and outstanding pollution resistance, including strong tolerance to harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, make it a natural guardian of the urban ecosystem.

Today, this century-old zelkova stands by the Chen Family Pond in Zhongshan Park, its lush crown spreading like a giant umbrella, becoming a distinctive landscape feature within the park. This recognition as a protected ancient tree means it will receive more standardized and professional conservation and care.