West Lake's Hidden Ancient Tree Healing Guide

This "Lonely Camphor Tree" by West Lake has gone viral! People from all over the internet are flocking to Su Causeway just to attend a quiet rendezvous. Recently, an ancient camphor tree behind Yadi Bridge on Su Causeway at West Lake quietly became popular on social media, turning into a "new healing landmark" that countless people are eager to check in at. Netizens have nicknamed it the "Lonely Tree." Photos capturing the tree's shadow, the lake surface, and the bench have made this ancient tree hidden beside Xili Lake the most popular autumn scenery in Hangzhou. This camphor tree was originally just one of the ordinary trees on Su Causeway—camphor trees stand every ten meters or so along the embankment—but it stands out because of its unique posture. Its trunk is so thick that it takes three adults holding hands to encircle it. Its century-old age gives it strong, sturdy branches, lush and spreading like a giant open umbrella. Some branches and leaves hang down to the lake surface, creating a charming reflection with the shimmering waves. The best part is the bench under the shade, quietly leaning against the trunk. From a distance, it sketches a poetic scene of "sitting alone waiting for someone," like a flowing ink and wash painting. Its "loneliness" feels more like a mood captured by the camera. Photographers have found that whether in the morning mist, the warm noon sun, or the twilight glow, this tree perfectly blends with the scenery of West Lake: the lake’s reflection mirrors the trunk, visitors on Su Causeway form the background, and a simple frame carries a story. Netizens’ captions make this mood even more touching: "It’s not the tree that’s lonely, but that we need a corner to place our emotions." This turns the tree from a mere scenic spot into a spiritual refuge carrying people’s feelings. Today, it is no longer "lonely": some come specially to lean against the tree for photos, blending the camphor tree’s vigor with cultural atmosphere; some sit on the bench daydreaming, letting the lake breeze brush the branches and leaves, enjoying the healing calm amid the bustle; photographers squat with their gear waiting for the perfect light and shadow to capture its beauty at different times. Passersby may not know its internet fame, but they are always drawn by this tranquility, unconsciously slowing their pace. In fact, Su Causeway has never lacked ancient trees, but this camphor tree’s rise to fame is precisely because it hits people’s yearning for a slow life. In fast-paced days, we need such a corner: an ancient tree, a lake view, a bench—enough to let people shed their fatigue, talk with nature, and reconcile with themselves. This century-old camphor tree has witnessed West Lake’s seasonal cycles and heard countless hearts’ stories. Now, under the name "Lonely," it has become a healing scenery for the soul—proving that the most moving beauty is always the unexpected encounter between nature and emotion.