How big on earth can a tree grow? Tongliang Old Banyan is sure to wow you in a row! Located in Tongliang Village, which stands at the Baisha end of the Penghu Great Bridge and near the Yi Family’s Cactus Ice Cream (易家仙人掌冰), the spectacular tree has spread over 30 meters, its roots twisted, joints intertwined, and aerial roots sprawling on the beams and columns in front of the gate of Baoan Temple (保安宮), a temple mainly worships royal lords. According to local people, Tongliang Old Banyan has been more than three hundred years old, the number of its roots nearly one hundred. Getting into the ground, the roots create a comfortable boulevard in front of the temple, where nearby residents sometimes have tea and a chat here.
Searching for a while, we finally find the origin of the grove. We also find villagers set a tablet to worship the tree’s deity, who has guarded the temple for such a long time. Old and weak, the origin itself is withering, decaying, yet the surrounding descendants of the original tree demonstrate tremendous vitality, spreading to all directions, growing and fostering themselves. This probably represents the so-called endless circle of life. Similar unique scenes can be found in Kenting's Chihniuling and Kenting Forest Recreation Area, which are also in tropical areas.
Beside Tongliang Old Banyan stands a small market, where you can buy hand-picked local seaweed and cactus juice. When you come here, you may chat with the grannies in the market. You'll certainly be impressed by their amiability.
