A 60-year-old tree that drew in tourists hoping to get photos next to it has been vandalised, sparking fury among locals in China.

Known as the 'Xiangyang Welcoming Pine,' this tree, which is actually a silkwood tree that has stood on the top of Bianshan Mountain in Xiangyang, Hubei, for decades.

But thugs severed the trunk, and despite attempts to save the tree by supporting the trunk that was still half attached, it eventually blew over leaving only the stump below.

Thanks to its unique location where it is surrounded by nothing but rocks and almost no vegetation, it is instantly noticeable and has become a landmark for hikers reaching Xianshan.

The mountain is only 459 metres (1,505 feet) tall, making it an easy spot to reach for anyone who wants to get photographed with the scenery.

However, it was revealed on May 30 that someone had cut down the tree.

In the video, the tree's trunk could be seen with a large cut going straight through and woodchips scattered on the ground.

The filmer says: 'This tree, which has weathered decades of storms, was inexplicably cut down.'

Nearby stood a woman in a yellow short-sleeve shirt holding a kitchen knife.

The person filming the videos said to her: 'This tree is decades old, what a pity to cut it down.'

The woman responded: 'It was sawed by people before. What is there to pity? They plan to plant ginkgo and pine trees here.'

A staff member from the local government stated on May 31 that the police and forestry departments are currently investigating.

They said: 'The tree has not been completely killed as its roots are still intact. The forestry department is trying to save the roots.'