Beijing is gearing up for the one-week National Day holiday, which starts on October 1st.

The city has put emergency plans into place to cope with mishaps at large public events and scenic spots.

All facilities at amusement parks will be examined to ensure visitors' safety; the parks will be closed if they do not meet safety standards.

The crowds expected over the holiday have forced the traffic department to close some underground train stations, for fear the huge number of passengers might lead to accidents.

The operation time of other subways in the city will be extended by between 30 minutes to one hour and buses will be used to move passengers around the temporarily closed stations.

Meanwhile, the local government will strengthen its crack down on illegal tourism business.

To welcome the 55th National Day, Tiananmen Square in Beijing has been decorated with a model of the launch tower of Shenzhou V and the new reviewing stand in the square has recently been given a facelift.

(CNTA.com September 22, 2004)