A local takes photos of the bonsai trees in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Sept 16. [Photo/sxrb.com] 

There was peace and harmony in the air as the 11th Taiyuan Bonsai Art Festival opened in the only pot plant park in Yingze district, Taiyuan in Shanxi province on Sept 16. 

Enthusiasts say that the bonsai represents tranquility, harmony and balance – and that it also shows the conflict of the tree or plant against the elements to create a true miniature replica. 

Sponsored by the Taiyuan landscaping bureau the festival, which runs until Sept 20, features Shanxi style pot plants and marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

A cornucopia of different kinds of bonsai displays are on hand to delight the visitor and there is also a root carving exhibition with more than 30 exhibits being staged during the five-day festival. The event also includes lectures on bonsais, bonsai making and Jinju Opera shows.