A group of influencers have caused outrage online in China after they were filmed shaking a 100-year-old cherry blossom tree for a video.

The video was filmed in the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province on March 22.

The tree is known as the Cherry Blossom King of Hangzhou, having been planted during the Republic of China era and standing for over a century.

The cherry blossom tree stands near the ancient canal and its beauty is a breathtaking sight that draws crowds of tourists and locals alike. Since blooming last week, the tree has become a popular spot for photo-taking and sightseeing.

Many netizens have criticised the behaviour of the online influencer team, with comments such as: "They must be crazy about wanting to get more views."

Another user said: "Have they gone insane in their pursuit of views?"

"Did the tree offend them? Why are they abusing it like this?" one user commented.

The company of the online influencer group sent a handwritten apology letter to the Xinyi Fang Street Management Committee on March 23. The letter expressed remorse for the group's actions, promising to bear all losses and take full responsibility for the clean-up operation.

Additionally, the company acknowledged its management errors and vowed to improve staff education and behaviour during future photo shoots to prevent similar incidents from happening again, while also pledging to respect and protect public green spaces.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

3月22日，浙江杭州，某网红团队在打卡信义坊百年樱花树时，拍摄期间为了达到落樱的效果，疯狂摇晃樱花树导致大量花瓣掉落。据了解，这棵樱花树是杭州的“樱花王”，自民国时期就种下，流传距今已有百年。樱花树毗邻古运河，拥有六米长超大树冠，粉白丛中带着新绿，风一吹，粉白色花瓣纷纷扬扬，美景令人陶醉。自上周就开始绽放，吸引了无数市民和游客前来打卡拍照。
23日下午，该网红团队所在公司给信义坊商街管委会发来一封手写致歉信。其在信中向网友表示，“愿承担一切损失，并打理好一切卫生。公司认识到管理错误，也会加强管理，提高员工素养，以后拍摄也会注意，不再损害公共绿化”。