A myriad of lights will set Beijing aglow in celebration of the
Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.
The Beijing Municipal Administration Commission says the lights are
to illuminate the city at night to add more joy to the festival, in
addition to serving as preparations for the vibrant night life
planned for next year's
Olympics.
According to the commission, the lighting scheme will be
centered on Tian'anmen Square and extend to all of Chang'an Avenue
and other major streets. More than 150 buildings on the Avenue and
30 overpasses will glow over the eight nights.
Beijing Youth Daily reports major boulevards and
landmark buildings in the capital city along with scenic spots will
be lit up every night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the seven day
holiday starting with Chinese New Year Eve on February 17, with the
lights to stay on until 1 o'clock in the morning on New Year's
Day.
In related news, a total of 111 roads across Beijing's eight
districts will be closed on Chinese New Year's Eve so that citizens
can set off fireworks, according to bjd.com.cn.
The report said the roads will be closed for 30 minutes starting
from 11:45 p.m. Saturday night. Motor vehicles will be barred from
the restricted areas temporarily, with only pedestrians and
bicycles allowed through. Because the 111 roads are not main routes
through Beijing, normal traffic should not be affected.
An official with the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, Li
Guorui, said more than 1,000 police officers will patrol the areas
to ensure safety and order. Meanwhile, 216 signs will be set up
near the roads beforehand to signal people to take detours.
The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has posted information on
its website related to the temporary closures for the public.
(CRI February 17, 2007)
