According to Historical Records, when the first emperor of Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) came to climb Mount Tai in 219 BC, he was caught in a storm and then stayed under a huge tree for protection.

The Wudafu Pine. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Because of the protection of the tree, the emperor entitled it as "Wudafu Pine". "Wudafu" was actually the ninth rank among the 20 ranks of Qin Dynasty, but was mistaken as five pine trees by many later.

With time went on, the pine tree was gone. The present Wudafu Pines were planted by the imperial envoy, Ding Zaobao in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).