Beijing To Impose Mandatory Work Holiday During APEC Summit

Charles Liu January 24, 2015 1:34pm (updated)

apec beijingWith the APEC summit fast approaching, authorities are looking for help from Beijing residents to ensure things go smoothly. And by help, authorities are asking that residents not go to work for six days.

The order applies only to municipal and central government workers, but private businesses may also choose to close up shop as well. Before you start celebrating, keep in mind that the holiday won’t be without its conditions, as workers will most likely be asked to make up the days on future weekends.

The purpose of the holiday is to help ease traffic during the summit, reports China Daily, and of course, ease the smog. This is the first time since the 2008 Summer Olympics that Beijing has imposed such stringent measures to alleviate pollution.

Not to be outdone, neighboring Langfang, Hebei plans to impose a similar six day mandatory holiday for some of its residents in order to alleviate pressure upon Beijing services and infrastructure.

Photo: cbda

Charles Liu

The Nanfang's Senior Editor