One of Huangling’s most remarkable natural treasures lies within theShuikou Forest—a rare grove of 80 Chinese yew trees (Taxus chinensis). Most of these ancient trees are over500 years old, with the oldest estimated to be around1,200 years old.

Also known as thepurple yew, this species is globally recognized as anendangered natural plant with potentanti-cancer properties. As a survivor of theQuaternary glaciation, it represents a living relic of prehistoric flora. The Chinese yew thrives in both northern and southern climates and is valued for itsshade tolerance,cold hardiness, anddrought resistance.