China
2023.12.25 17:24 GMT+8

Tree-shaped patterns appear on frozen Qiantang River

Updated 2023.12.25 17:24 GMT+8
CGTN

Breathtaking patterns of giant trees appeared on the frozen Qiantang River in east China's Zhejiang Province amid a continuing cold wave. The rise and fall of tides result in the natural formation of forest patterns on the mud flats, also known as "tidal trees."

The mudflats and sandbanks of the Qiantang River started to freeze due to the cold weather. With the tides washing away the sediment and the inflow of seawater, the rare scene was then formed in freezing temperatures.

The Qiantang River runs for more than 500 kilometers through Zhejiang, passing through the provincial capital Hangzhou before flowing into the East China Sea via Hangzhou Bay south of Shanghai.

The river is known for having the world's largest tidal bore, which is called the "Silver Dragon" locally. The tides usually reach their peak between the 15th and the 18th days of the eighth lunar month, with spectacular scenes to be marveled at by countless visitors. 

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