How Ginkgo Came from China to Kashmir (via Kashmir Central Asia Economic Corridor-KCAEC)

Silk Route plants

1. Origin in China

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, native to China.
It was preserved and propagated mainly by Buddhist monasteries for spiritual, medicinal, and ornamental use.

2. Spread Along the Silk Route or 
From China, ginkgo moved westward through:
Xinjiang
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan)
This movement followed the Silk Route, which carried plants, seeds, medicines, and ideas.

3. Arrival in Kashmir
Kashmir was a major Silk Route hub connecting:
China
Central Asia
Persia
Indian subcontinent

Buddhist monks, traders, and herbalists likely introduced ginkgo seeds or saplings into Kashmir.
Kashmir’s temperate climate is ideal for ginkgo survival.

4. Cultural & Botanical Evidence
Ginkgo trees in Kashmir are mostly found in: 

Ginkgo House : https://ginkgohouse.blogspot.com
Old gardens
Heritage areas
Institutional campuses
Their presence mirrors other Central Asian–Chinese plant introductions like:
Walnut
Apricot
Poplar
Chinar (Platanus orientalis)

5. Why Ginkgo Survived in Kashmir
Cold tolerance (–30°C)
Disease resistance
Long lifespan (1,000+ years)
Sacred & medicinal value discouraged cutting
In One Line

Ginkgo biloba traveled from China → Central Asia → Kashmir via the Silk Route, carried by monks and traders, and survived due to Kashmir’s ideal temperate climate.