Why is cypress also selected a municipal tree of Beijing?
Cypress is an evergreen tree suitable for temperate areas. It is good for cold and dry weather, resistant to cold, draught, aridity and salinity. Generally, cypress can grow as tall as 20 meters, with a diameter of 1 meter. Its leaves are shaped like scales and flowers like pearls that grow atop. Currently, Beijing has 16,900 cypress trees more than 100 years old. They are mostly planted in ancient gardens, mausoleums, parks and temples and are regarded as national treasures.
