Nanjing's trees are going viral

On Yihe Road, you can see everyone patiently lining up under a single tree. No rushing, no crowding, just an orderly queue. Among them are fashionably dressed young ladies who brought photographers just to see it, and out-of-town friends pulling suitcases who made this their first stop on their Nanjing trip... That's right, the tree at No. 11 Yihe Road that splits into branches has become famous and well-known. This internet celebrity tree stands at the intersection of Langya Road and Mogan Road, its branches stretching toward the sky, lush and full of leaves. Against the backdrop of vintage yellow walls, simple square windows, and street lamps, it exudes a strong cinematic feel—every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. One tree has drawn more tourists to the most beautiful Yihe Road in Nanjing, while also encouraging visits around Yihe Road to deeply experience the lively atmosphere of the old Jinling city. Of course, besides this breakout star tree on Yihe Road, Nanjing has several other vibrant trees that continue to flood social media platforms. Under these uniquely “characterful” trees, children joyfully collect autumn leaves, couples hold hands and whisper, nearby residents stroll leisurely, and tourists marvel and take photos... In this beautiful autumn, sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches kisses everyone who looks up. Why not follow Xiao Bu to get closer to these trees and savor the unique comfort and romance of Nanjing? Before the “crooked neck tree” on Yihe Road went viral, the Lonely Tree in the East Suburb dominated as the top trending tree for many years. As soon as you enter Zhongshan Sports Park, you see the Lonely Tree quietly standing on a high slope, with the sky as its canvas and no other trees nearby, giving off an indescribable sense of solitude. But if you look around it, you’ll find parents with kids, dog walkers, kite flyers, wedding photographers, and college groups... The lawn is full of tents and filled with laughter and joy. When you lie beside this tree, getting as close to nature as possible, your breathing naturally relaxes, and daily stress and worries fade away. The Lonely Tree records one beautiful moment after another, wrapped in warmth and happiness, witnessing countless relaxed and carefree moments of Nanjing residents. The Lonely Tree is not lonely at all. A single Chinese tallow tree is like a grand autumn celebration. In the quiet and less crowded Mochou Lake Park, the colorful Chinese tallow tree next to the Calligraphy and Painting Institute is becoming even more vibrant. As the autumn wind rises, the Chinese tallow colors change—green for vitality, yellow for brightness, orange for passion, red for intensity. Looking up, you can admire the frozen autumn-exclusive fireworks. Mochou Lake acts like a natural mirror, breaking this colorful oil painting into fragments on the water’s surface. Boats glide by, intertwining tree shadows and sunlight, splashing shimmering light across the lake—truly breathtaking. If the Chinese tallow tree at Mochou Lake has an oil painting texture, then the Chinese tallow trees in Laomendong, set against black tiles and white walls, add a touch of traditional Chinese artistic charm. Walking into the alleys, sunlight filters through the colorful leaves, casting delicate shadows on the walls. The branches of the Chinese tallow tree and the upturned eaves complement each other perfectly, sketching a misty ink painting scroll. Under the tree, cameras and lenses are everywhere, with everyone ready to shoot masterpieces. Some visitors have done their homework and come specifically to check in at this tree, while others happen to pass by and discover this autumnal scene full of Chinese aesthetic beauty. In Nanjing, every tree around the corner can be a surprise. Among the many osmanthus trees in Jinling, the most famous is the “King of Osmanthus,” a tree over 150 years old located in Linggu Scenic Area. Its canopy spreads wide like a cover, with osmanthus flowers blooming densely, dyeing the branches golden like clouds at sunset. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting mottled golden shadows on the ground. When the autumn wind blows, osmanthus flowers gently fall, and even the air you breathe carries their sweet fragrance. The scent, wrapped in sunlight, makes the atmosphere soft and tender. This King of Osmanthus is a witness to a century of history and a gift from time itself. Like a kind elder, it quietly watches visitors and locals enjoy the beautiful autumn moments around it, healing everyone. From the Jinling Manufacturing Bureau to the East China Ordnance Factory in the 1950s, and now the 1865 Creative Industry Park hidden in downtown Nanjing, it spans three centuries. Strolling through, time seems to slow down. Tall cedar trees stand upright in rows, guarding this land that carries industrial memories. As autumn deepens, the dense cedar leaves change from green to orange-red. Against the backdrop of century-old buildings full of cinematic charm, it looks like an industrial-style oil painting. The 1865 Industry Park gains a touch of gentle romance because of them. Take advantage of the rich autumn colors to visit the 1865 Industry Park, walk along the cedar leaf-covered paths, admire the straight and poetic bald cypresses, and listen to the echoes of machines roaring a hundred years ago. Experience the unique atmosphere here. “Nanjing’s autumn, half of its charm comes from its trees.”