Han Temple Oak Tree - One of Chaozhou's Eight Scenic Spots

Han Temple Oak Tree (The blooming oak flowers symbolize beauty) Historical Origins of Han Temple Oak Tree The story of the Han Temple Oak Tree dates back to the Tang Dynasty when the renowned literary figure Han Yu served as the governor of Chaozhou in 819. It is said that Han Yu personally planted oak trees on Bijia Mountain (now known as Han Mountain). To honor his contributions to Chaozhou, the mountain was renamed "Han Mountain," and the Shilang Pavilion was built. In the Song Dynasty, during the 16th year of Chunxi (1189), Governor Ding Yunyuan relocated the Han Yu Memorial Temple to its current site, preserving the oak tree in front of the temple. This oak tree became one of Chaozhou's Eight Scenic Spots, known as "Han Temple Oak Tree." Symbolic Meaning of the Oak Tree The oak tree, with its canopy-like shape, blooms in spring and summer with red and white flowers. According to the "Chaozhou Prefecture Records," during the ninth year of the Qianlong reign, the blooming of the oak tree coincided with a period of academic success, a tradition that continued into the Qing Dynasty. The oak tree is also seen as a symbol of Han Yu's dedication to education. Chaozhou locals often use "Han Tree" to inspire students, as exemplified by Song Dynasty scholar Wang Dabao, who was motivated by its symbolism. Rise, Fall, and Revival of the Oak Tree The original oak tree withered during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, and was replaced with a kapok tree. In 2011, Chaozhou transplanted over 30 oak trees from Han Yu's hometown in Xinmi, Henan. In 2015, the new oak trees bloomed for the first time, reviving the grandeur of "Han Temple Oak Tree." Today, oak trees and kapok trees coexist in front of the Han Yu Memorial Temple, continuing the thousand-year cultural legacy. Cultural Impact Han Yu's promotion of Confucian education in Chaozhou led to the renaming of local landmarks such as "Han Mountain" and "Han River." The Han Yu Memorial Temple houses stone inscriptions, including Su Shi's "Stele of the Han Yu Memorial Temple in Chaozhou." The oak tree has become a symbol of Chaozhou's reverence for education and culture.