This is the dramatic moment a dust devil tornado picked up tents as it ripped through a park in China.

Families were enjoying picnics when the wind vortex struck the field in Jiangsu on March 3.

Footage shows tents, linens, and debris swirling in the air, while nearby locals scramble to escape the tornado's path.

Moments later, the whirlwind dissipated, leaving a green tent tangled in tree branches.

A woman can be seen attempting to free the canopy from being stuck, which she eventually managed to remove.

No injuries were reported from the phenomenon.

Dust devil tornadoes are types of whirlwinds that form when the sun heats a patch of land and the air above becomes warmer and rises quickly.

Cooler air then moves into the low-pressure gap left by the rising warm air. The new drafts of cooler air also heat up and rise and the cycle continues, picking up dust and debris and making the spiral visible.

They are not as dangerous as supercell tornadoes, which can cause severe damage.