A dragon-shaped "tidal tree" is captured by a photography enthusiast at coastal areas of Qidong, Nantong, Jiangsu. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

Photography enthusiast Huang Minhua captured a rare sight known as a "tidal tree" on the shallow shores of Qidong, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

With its branches, this "tree" resembled a giant dragon lying along the coastline, creating a spectacular scene under the glow of the setting sun.

A "tidal tree" is in fact a system of tidal channels formed on tidal flats, which are the intermediary zone between the ocean and land. Affected by hydrodynamic conditions, sediment properties, and ecological factors, various forms of tidal channel systems, such as branch-like or feather-like shapes, are formed on these flats. The formation of "tidal trees" not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity but also provides rich tourism resources.

In 2023, Qidong's "tidal tree" was selected as part of the national exhibition of extraordinary landforms initiated by China Tourism News.