Cunninghamia lanceolata, commonly known as Chinese fir, is a fast-growing evergreen conifer in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), native to southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. This ancient and highly valued tree has been cultivated for over a thousand years across East Asia for its durable timber, elegant form, and adaptability. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 50 meters (100 to 165 feet) with a straight trunk and a narrow, pyramidal crown, Cunninghamia lanceolata displays a graceful, layered branching pattern that gives it a striking architectural presence. Its leaves are long, lance-shaped, and sharply pointed, arranged spirally around the stems but often appearing in two flat ranks, giving the tree a feathery, symmetrical appearance. The foliage is bright green to bluish-green, sometimes with a silvery sheen on the undersides, and emits a pleasant resinous scent when crushed. Small, globular cones develop near the branch tips, maturing from green to brown and releasing winged seeds. Cunninghamia lanceolata thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soils and can tolerate a range of conditions, from valley bottoms to mountain slopes. Its wood is light, straight-grained, and highly resistant to decay and insects, making it one of the most important construction timbers in China—used for temples, bridges, furniture, and boats. The tree also plays an ecological role in reforestation and soil conservation due to its rapid growth and dense canopy. Combining beauty, strength, and utility, the Chinese fir remains a cornerstone of traditional forestry and landscape design throughout East Asia.