The thousands of visitors who throng Beijing's Tian'anmen Square during the "Golden Week" leave behind tons of litter every day over the weeklong holiday.

Visitors love to take pictures at the square, regarded as the heart of Beijing, and in front of the ancient city gate tower. On October 1, National Day, 1.2 million people packed the square.

Square administrative committee officials said the Beijing municipal government set up a special office before the "Golden Week," which began supervising sanitation on National Day last Wednesday.

But piles of drink cans, waste paper, and food packets discarded by visitors not only spoiled the beauty of the square but also became a headache for cleaners, officials said.

"It is even more unbearable to have rubbish thrown everywhere on National Day," said a Shanghai visitor.

The officials said they hope people will be more aware of the importance of looking after the environment, which is not only a good personal habit but also reflects the society's level.

(eastday.com October 8, 2003)