5. Wushan smoke tree 巫山黄栌

Wushan smoke tree. (Picture provided by Chongqing Urban Planning Bureau, and released by CQNEWS)

Every late autumn, the mountains on the banks of the Wushan Gorge 巫山峡江两岸的山体上 are covered with red leaves, presenting spectacular view like roseate clouds. Most of these red leaves are leaves from smoke trees.

The Smoke Tree is a shrub of strong vitality growing in cliff gaps. It is beautiful and is the most important ornamental red leaf tree species in China. Its leaves turn red in autumn, which are dazzlingly beautiful. The Smoke Tree is not only a source of beautiful scenery, but also symbolizes the persistent and dauntless characters of Wushan people.

List of special plants in districts and counties of Chongqing. (Picture provided by Chongqing Urban Planning Bureau, and released by CQNEWS) (Translated by Huang Juan, Fathom Language Limited)