One of my favorite scenes at Lan Su in the summertime is watching the banana leaves dancing in the breeze just beyond the leak windows. Their soft rustle and gentle sway seem to cool the summer heat and melt my troubles away. All I need is a cup of green tea and a nice nap (and maybe my cats curled up beside me—on second thought, scratch that, they’re too warm).
But did you know these elegant leaves have long been more than just ornamental in Chinese culture?
Princess Iron Fan and the Monkey King
Banana plants, introduced to China from Southeast Asia, have been cultivated for over 1500 years and admired for their graceful form. Chinese scholars praised their tall, soft stalks and lush presence in shaded gardens. Over time, banana leaves gained deeper meaning. Their annual cycle—dying back in winter and returning in summer—came to symbolize renewal and resilience. In Taoist belief, the banana fan became one of the Eight Treasures, said to bring joy—or even raise the dead.
This symbolic power of the banana leaf even found its way into legend and literature. In one fiery episode of the beloved Ming dynasty (16th century) novel, Journey to the West, the famous Monkey King faces the blazing Flaming Mountain—and the only way to pass is with a magical banana leaf fan owned by the formidable female demon named Princess Iron Fan (鐵扇公主). The Monkey King tricked the fierce Princess Iron Fan (by pretending to be her husband) and successfully “borrowed” the magical banana fan— With a few mighty waves, the enchanted fan blows away the inferno and clears the path. Works better than any modern AC!
Beyond myth, there’s a practical—and poetic—reason bananas belong in a scholar’s garden like Lan Su. The famously eccentric monk Huai Su (懷素) of the Tang dynasty (8th century) was a passionate calligrapher too poor to afford paper. So, he planted over ten thousand banana trees and used their broad, silky leaves as his canvas. His home became a lush calligraphy retreat, which he named “Green Heaven” (綠天). When even banana leaves ran out, he lacquered trays and boards until he wore holes through them—literally writing until there was nothing left to write on.
From Ming-dynasty myth to Tang-dynasty ink, and from spiritual symbol to summer shade, the banana leaf has long stood for creativity, persistence, and a touch of magic. So next time you pass by Lan Su’s banana plants, give them a little nod—they’ve seen some legendary things.
Banana Leaf Calligraphy (蕉書圖) by Lin Yong (林墉), renown Chinese artist
Venus Sun
Vice President of Culture & Community
Lan Su Chinese Garden
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