Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui, China

14. Huangshan Wedding Tree

This tree has an interesting local myth. The tree grew from two trunks, which has now grown together. The Chinese call it the "Wedding tree." The two trees are wedded together for as long as they live, which can be a nice concept for married couples. The local custom has people buying a padlock, available from a shop across the path from the tree. You then lock you padlock to the chain surrounding the tree and your marriage will last for your lifetime. Thousands of locks festoon the chain. Sales of locks have become brisk. A nice custom but we didn't buy a lock. After locking their lock the lovers then toss the key into the misty gorge.