taikoo li

Sanlitun to Close This Weekend as Martial Law Declared

You'll have to go elsewhere for a beer Saturday night

Businesses and restaurants in Beijing’s Sanlitun nightlife area are being forced to close this weekend due to martial law declared by the government. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, several business owners have confirmed to The Beijinger that they have been instructed to close from Saturday, August 22 at 3pm until the next day at 2pm.

Affected areas include the popular Taikoo Li South mall and Courtyard Four, an area located across the street from Taikoo Li. A letter from Swire Properties and given to Sanlitun business tenants reads in part as follows:

In line with the work of commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and in accordance with arrangements and notices from related Beijing Municipal Government departments, on August 22 and August 23, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South will come under martial law measures.

According to the requirements of related Beijing Municipal Government departments, during that period, all stores must temporarily cease operations. The time period is: August 22, 2015 3pm to August 23, 2015 2pm.

Several temporary measures have been implemented in order to accommodate the military parade that will be held in Beijing on September 3, including closing down the city’s airport, shutting down subway stations, halting the operation of tens of thousands of factories and power plants, and increasing security protocol on the delivery of mail and packages in the city.

Local authorities have previously announced the closure of Tiananmen Square and the Wangfujing area in order to hold rehearsals for the parade, two places within a few kilometers of Sanlitun.

Charles Liu

The Nanfang's Senior Editor