Chang'an Avenue unveils renewed look for V-Day parade

Chang'an Avenue, Beijing's landmark thoroughfare, unveiled a renewed look with freshly paved asphalt during the recent V-Day parade.

"Nearly 70 percent of the road surface between Fuxingmen and Jianguomen has been in use for 16 years," said Sun Ningning, director of the urban management division of the Beijing Transport Commission, Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday.

In preparation for the parade on Sept 3, transport authorities resurfaced 330,000 square meters, the equivalent of 46 standard soccer fields, in just seven nights and within 35 hours.

To minimize disruption, all work occurred between 11 pm and 4 am, leaving most citizens unaware of the massive undertaking.

The 6.77-kilometer project was divided into 38 segments, with up to eight sections receiving a new 4-cm road layer each night. More than ten municipal departments coordinated on the project.

"The renewed surface is darker, smoother, and more durable, ensuring a steadier ride for drivers," said Zhang Liliang, a manager at Beijing Construction Engineering Group. Water-based paint was used to meet the parade requirements and minimize the need for repainting during the event.

After the parade, crowds along the avenue and in Tian'anmen Square noted the refreshed surface free from patches and cracks.