Giant Tree Island

Giant Tree Island

Giant Tree Island

Giant Tree Island is a small delta-shaped alluvial basin formed by the Dalangzi River, covering an area of 50,000 square meters. It gets its name from the several northeast giant trees — Dahurian poplars — growing on the island, each with a diameter at breast height exceeding 1.5 meters. The Dahurian poplar belongs to the Populus genus of the Salicaceae family and is one of fifty-three natural poplar species. It is native to the northeastern region of China, cold-resistant and moisture-loving, thriving best in well-drained, deep, fertile soils on the middle and lower slopes of mountains. It does not tolerate shade and requires ample sunlight. Stately and upright, the poplar trees stand along the stream, their crowns spreading like umbrellas — a spectacular sight. For instance, the Dahurian poplar named “By the Stream” stands 32 meters tall with a girth of 580 centimeters; even three people each 1.9 meters tall would not be able to encircle it. It is 371 years old, having grown even before the height of prosperity prior to the Opium War. Another specimen, named “Sky-Supporting,” also stands 32 meters tall with a girth of 560 centimeters and is 359 years old. They are the largest Dahurian poplars discovered so far in the northeastern region.