This Tree in Dongzhimen Is on Fire

It may not be on fire in the literal sense, but this tree, standing all by its lonesome on a busy intersection along Dongzhimen Inner Avenue, is setting the Chinese web aflame right now.

Admittedly, it looks just like any other tree you’ll see on Beijing’s streets this time of year: bare of leaves, reduced to haunting visages with branches like a skeleton’s fingers reaching in all directions. So what makes it special?

Well, it seemingly boils down to the odd spot it finds itself in. The juxtaposition of something so natural against a giant industrial building – a temporary structure housing the Capital Airport Express' westward expansion – perhaps, or, as some have pointed out, the building's red and light gray contrasted with the dark brown of the tree.

Whatever it is, the tree has garnered so much attention from the wanghong crowd that concerns over traffic accidents have arisen. A number of influencers have stopped in the middle of the crosswalk to take candid shots, putting themselves and drivers at risk. “I pass here after work every day, there are many cars on this road. Please keep your safety in mind and don’t hinder the traffic,” warned one netizen. “It’s really dangerous to take photos in the middle of the road” advised another.

The warnings and advice haven’t quelled the crowds, though. On a midday visit to the tree, one Beijing Evening News reporter witnessed a photographer taking shots of models near it, as well as in the street.

She was soon joined by a group of other photo-hungry folks, who stayed for ten minutes to snap shots, sometimes at the expense of traffic.

There’s no telling how long the Dongzhimen Tree, as its been dubbed on Chinese social media, will remain a wanghong site of interest, but it’s amusing to see such a simple thing like this garner so much attention online.

Would you seek out the Dongzhimen Tree to take a few shots? Have you paid the tree a visit? Let us know in the comments!

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Images: Sina Weibo, Beijing Evening News