Due to the impact of Typhoon “Sader”, Fujian Zhangzhou has been experiencing heavy rain for days, with the water level in the river of Nanjing County Tulou Scenic Area rising sharply to a depth of about 4-5 meters. On the afternoon of September 3, a 600-year-old ancient banyan tree in the scenic area called “Yunshuyao” was uprooted and fell due to the flood.
According to mainland China media “Jiupai News”, on September 3, a nearby merchant Ms. Lin said that the continuous heavy rain caused the water level to rise sharply, with the water reaching a depth of about 4-5 meters. The force of the water impact was so strong that the 600-year-old ancient banyan tree next to a large stone inscribed with the words “Yunshuyao” was uprooted, exposing its roots.
Ms. Lin said, “The banyan tree that’s over six hundred years old, you can imagine how thick it was, it’s such a pity. But in the face of natural disasters, that’s how it is. No one could have imagined that the banyan tree, which stood tall and strong, survived several floods before, but this time it fell.”
Another merchant, Mr. Jian, mentioned that the base of the ancient banyan tree originally had a large stone standing next to it, which was also knocked over by the water.
Additionally, the Lover’s Bridge in the scenic area was also destroyed.
Staff from the Tulou Committee stated that the ancient banyan tree is one of the important landmarks in the area, and they will invite experts to assess the situation.
Ms. Huang, the person in charge of the Nanjing Tulou Scenic Area, confirmed to “Modern Express” reporters that due to the recent continuous heavy rainfall, the river flooded, continuously eroding the ancient banyan tree, causing it to fall around 2 pm that day, fortunately without causing any casualties.
It is introduced that the fallen ancient banyan tree is located in the core area of the scenic spot, with an age of over 600 years. It is one of the iconic landscapes in the “Yunshuyao” known as the “Couple Tree”. Its trunk requires over a dozen adults to encircle, standing over 30 meters high, with a canopy covering an area of approximately 1933 square meters. It has been together with another ancient tree for hundreds of years, their canopies connected, serving as a must-visit spot for countless tourists.
Following the incident, the scenic area has been fully closed for visitors. It is reported that due to the current rising water level and swift flow of the flood, the rescue plan is still under evaluation.