Opinion | Shenzhen builds canopy to protect tree planted by ex-president Hu Jintao

Backpackers and homeless people in Shenzhen might now consider sleeping under a laurel tree in the city’s Lianhuashan Park.

After all, it’s sheltered, has a great view and is free.

Because it was planted by Hu it has been a source of pride for many people. But it has also meant extra work for city cadres to look after it.

To start with, officials had to built a huge canopy above the tree to protect it from excessive sunshine,

“Summer heat and long-time exposure to sunshine will not help the tree to grow,” reads an information board next to the tree. “We will remove the canopy when the weather has cooled down.”