Beijing is a vibrant city! Stay updated with our weekend summary of the latest news.
Cold Temperatures Expected Across the Country
A wave of frigid air is moving across the nation, bringing strong winds and a significant drop in temperatures. In some regions, temperatures may decrease by 10-15 degrees C in the coming days.
In Beijing, the temperature decline is anticipated over Sunday and Monday, with daytime highs ranging from 4 to 7 degrees C and nighttime lows around minus 2 degrees C. Forecasts suggest a slight increase in temperatures for the rest of the week.
The public is encouraged to dress warmly and take necessary precautions against the cold.
The official heating season starts today.
Addition of Escalators and Elevators at Certain Subway Stations
The Beijing subway has launched a project to enhance accessibility by adding escalators and elevators at older stations that currently don't have them between the concourse and platforms. A total of 39 escalator or elevator units will be installed at 17 subway stations in the city.
Line 1
- Tian’anmen West: four escalators to be added.
- Tian’anmen East: four escalators to be added.
- Wangfujing: two escalators and one elevator to be added.
- Guomao: two escalators to be added.
- Dawanglu: three escalators and one elevator to be added.
- Yong’anli: two escalators and one elevator to be added.
- Xidan: one elevator to be added.
Batong Line
- Jiukeshu: one elevator to be added.
- Liyuan: one escalator to be added.
Line 2
- Chegongzhuang: two escalators to be added.
- Guloudajie: two escalators to be added.
- Andingmen: two escalators to be added.
- Chongwenmen: one escalator to be added.
- Fuxingmen: two escalators to be added.
- Yonghegong: one escalator to be added.
Line 10
- Songjiazhuang: four escalators to be added.
Line 13
- Huilongguan: two escalators to be added.
Expansion of Sobriety Testing to E-Bike Riders and Cyclists
Nighttime traffic stops aimed at reducing drunk driving now also include e-bike and bicycle riders, alongside motor vehicle drivers. This marks a shift from previous checkpoints, which primarily focused on motor vehicle users.
Alcohol-related driving is categorized into two types:
1. Driving after consuming alcohol: a blood alcohol content (BAC) level between 20mg/100ml (0.02 percent) and less than 80mg/100ml.
2. Driving while intoxicated: a BAC of 80mg/100ml (0.08 percent) or higher.
A breath test will be used to assess a driver's BAC, potentially followed by a blood test.
Penalties for driving after consuming alcohol can include fines, license suspension, administrative detention, and vehicle impoundment. For driving while intoxicated, which was criminalized in 2011, penalties may involve fines, license revocation, criminal detention, and permanent driving bans, among other severe consequences.
The severity of penalties can increase if the driver is involved in an accident, how they react afterward, or if there are serious injuries or fatalities. A strict no-tolerance policy exists for commercial vehicle operators, with specific penalties for drunk driving.
In December 2023, updated guidelines were issued to clarify the criteria and procedures for handling drunk driving incidents.
For non-motor vehicles like e-bikes or bicycles, while the specific penalties may differ, the categories of alcohol-related operation remain the same.
Recently, at a nighttime checkpoint in Dongba, traffic police stopped a man riding an electric bicycle who triggered their alcohol screening device.
His BAC was found to be 55mg/100ml, classifying him as driving a non-motor vehicle after drinking.
That night, Chaoyang traffic police apprehended a total of three individuals riding electric bicycles while under the influence and provided them with verbal warnings and safety education.
Those found operating a non-motor vehicle while intoxicated will incur a fine of RMB 50. Failure to pay may result in a warning and additional penalties.
Despite a significant reduction in drunk driving incidents due to legal changes and public education efforts, alcohol-related traffic accidents still occur. For instance, on Nov 11, just after midnight, a man named Feng lost control of his e-bike on North Fifth Ring Road and suffered serious injuries that later led to his death. Blood tests showed his BAC was 269mg/100ml, which is over three times the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.
Authorities have stated their intention to maintain traffic checks at night to ensure residents' safety and to increase scrutiny and penalties for both motor vehicle drivers and non-motor vehicle operators like e-bikes and bicycles.
Beijing is an exciting city! Stay informed with our weekend summary of the most recent news.