Tidbits

Traffic in Beijing decreased by 70% with alternate day system

Beijing traffic has decreased by 70 percent since the city launched an odd-even license plate system to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads during the APEC meeting, transport authorities said on Sunday. The system only allows cars to drive on alternate days based on whether the last number on a license plate is odd or even, from Nov 3 through 12.

Transport crew of thousands ensures trips run smoothly

The transportation commission in Beijing has provided 2,700 vehicles to provide transport during the APEC meeting, including Hongqi limousines, a domestically produced luxury car designated as the official vehicle for the meeting. A crew of 3,600 drivers and dispatchers and 530 volunteer guides has been put in place to ensure that transportation runs smoothly. More than 3,000 trips were made between hotels and airports from Nov 1 through 7.

Security at highest alert to safeguard APEC meeting

Security in Beijing has been strengthened during the APEC meeting with 60,000 police in the city on call around the clock. During the meeting, Beijing has 24-hour police patrols on the streets of key areas and is at its highest anti-terrorism level, with the highest level of prevention and control mechanisms. High-tech equipment - including explosive ordnance disposal robots and police helicopters - is being employed for security.

Hotels and kitchens cater to variety of tastes for guests

To ensure the quality of food prepared for the APEC meeting, about 20 companies were selected as the providers of raw ingredients. All 34 hotels serving the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting have to buy food from those companies. Hotel suites for ministers are outfitted with top quality services, and a gift with Chinese characteristics and a welcome basket of eight fruits as well as local snacks are provided in each room.

(China Daily 11/10/2014 page26)