Enchanting forest grows in Tiananmen

Palm trees usually sway in gentle, tropical breezes. But in Beijing, the exotic plants are being buffeted by blustery winter winds.

The 'tropical forest' in Tiananmen Square was created by an army of landscape designers to mark the 16th Chinese Communist Party Congress.

Caring for the plants, however, has become a daunting task. The capital is experiencing its coldest November in 53 years, with night-time temperatures plummeting to four degrees below zero.

Although all the plants have been selected for their ability to withstand the cold, engineers are working overtime to protect them.

One engineer from the city's landscape department said the ground crew had taken special care to shield the trees from the dry northern wind.

The plants will be removed after the party congress - if they last that long. 'It all depends on the weather,' he said.