A winter scene at the First Bathing Beach in Qingdao, Shandong province. HE YI/FOR CHINA DAILY

Beach tree branches into people's affection as favored landmark.

It's not exactly a common beach sight. Beaches have many attractions, but a tree is not usually one of them. The First Bathing Beach in Qingdao, Shandong province, is different. A Japanese black pine stands proudly, even defiantly, alone, its roots firmly in the sand. Nicknamed Hei Song (black pine) by the local residents, it has become a popular spot for people to take photos.