Only 6km from Yangshuo you will find a huge and towering tree, the Big Banyan Tree. It has survived wind and rain and storms over the many centuries since it was planted during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The tree measures 7m in diameter and 17m in height, having experienced extensive growth over the many years. Although its stem is very old and its roots twisted, its branches and leaves stretch out so lushly that the sunshine hardly penetrates its shadow. Sitting in its shadow on even the hottest day of the summer, you barely break out in a sweat.