City's urban areas switch to alternative energy

Beijing is aiming to eliminate the use of coal in six urban districts and 700 rural villages by the end of this year, officials said.

Instead, residents are encouraged to use electricity and alternative clean energy amid the capital's efforts to cut emissions and fight smog.

According to the city's plan, six urban districts - Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai and Shijingshan - will all become "zero coal-burning" zones this year.