QR code made out of 130,000 carefully trimmed trees needs to be scanned from the sky

And it actually works.
 By 
Yvette Tan
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

People in China are really, really into QR codes.

A village in northern China has created a giant QR code made of intricately trimmed trees, in an effort to boost local tourism.

The Xilinshui village in Hebei used 130,000 Chinese juniper trees to create the square code, which measures 227m (744 ft) along each side, according to a report by Chinese state media outlet People's Daily.

The trees range from 80cm to 2.5 metres in height.

But the most important question of all surely is: Can the code actually be scanned?

Yes -- and no.

When we tried scanning the code on its own, it wouldn't work. But after artificially brightening the picture, bingo!

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

After scanning it, you'll get directed to Xilinshui's official tourism page on WeChat, China's biggest messaging app.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The QR code is, according to news outlet Xinhua, designed to be scanned from the air as people fly over on their way to Beijing. We're guessing that'll need quick reflexes, a steady hand and perfect sunny weather.

QR codes are extremely popular across China and are used everywhere, by retailers, street markets and even buskers.

And now you can add huge fields to that list, too.

Mashable Image
Yvette Tan

Yvette is a Viral Content Reporter at Mashable Asia. She was previously reporting for BBC's Singapore bureau and Channel NewsAsia.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The bright and colorful Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees set is $10 off at Amazon
lego botanicals mini bonsai trees set against a pink and purple patterned background


The Bose QuietComfort headphones are just $130, thanks to a refurbished deal at Woot
person wearing bose quietcomfort headphones outside and looking out into the distance

One of our favorite soundbars from Sonos is over $100 off
Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar in front of TV set


More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

New Samsung TVs just dropped: Meet the new (but not) The Frame Pro and a curiously Frame Pro-like OLED TV
Samsung S95H OLED TV with purple abstract screensaver hanging on wall

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

The quirky stuff NASA packed in the Orion spaceship for Artemis II
Rise floating in microgravity with the Artemis II crew
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!