The “tree of the earth” phenomenon: a natural wonder at the Qiantang River

After low tide, the mouth of the Qiantang River becomes an “Earth Tree” with spectacular incisions in the ground similar to the roots and branches of a tree

It is a very weird natural wonder in Zhejiang province, China, at the estuary of the Qiantang River, known as “Tree of the Earth” or “Tide Tree“. It was after the low tide that this spectacle emerged with the ebb and flow of waters at work, carving the ground into some sort of patterns that looked like the roots and branches of a tree.

It is in these fantastic forms of channels and gullies that were shaped by the continuous tides of movement that a very attractive landscape visited by many is to be found. This is due to the fact that the Qiantang River enjoys the fame of hosting the highest river tide in the world.

During this phenomenon, the waters can go as high as 30 feet, though the record belongs to the Bay of Fundy in Canada, where tides typically reach 56 feet. Thousands of tourists are drawn by what locals have termed the “Silver Dragon”-the Qiantang tide-every year, especially at full moon or new moon.

What is the cause of this spectacle?

It was one of the most longed-for moments; the event happens on the 18th day of the eight lunar month, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. During this period, the tidal waves are thrown violently against the banks with the presentation of a weird spectacle.

This is a result of several facts put together: at its mouth, the Qiantang takes on a shape just like that of a funnel; the inclination of the riverbed amplifies the effect of the tide, which clashes against the natural river current. The water level rises drastically, and in its regression, it leaves behind-in the sediment of the coasts-the amazing outline of the “Tree of the Earth”.

This force of nature is at the same time beautiful, as it leaves aesthetic beauty in its wake, and gives the Qiantang’s mouth a breathtaking panorama that went viral on social networks, turning it famous worldwide.