What to Expect When Two Sessions Hit Beijing Later This Month

原创 Zeus Zou theBeijinger

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After several postponements, this year's Two Sessions (两会 liǎnghuì), which would usually take place at the beginning of March, have finally been penned to commence between May 21-28 – a full week shorter than usual. These major meetings between the China People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC) are designed to review the previous year's achievements and to layout future goals. As such, they will profoundly impact many aspects of Chinese life in ways that will travel far beyond the conference rooms in the Great Hall of the People, where the meetings are held.

This year is especially important as it marks the last year of the 13th five-year plan (launched in 2016), and the government will be eager to wrap up a number of objectives set out to improve Chinese citizen's general quality of life, as well as progress in innovation and the environment, all amid fallout from the coronavirus, a trade war with the United States, and growing friction with a number of countries worldwide.

Even though much of what is decided is unlikely to have a direct effect on foreigners here, at least in the short-term, there are restrictions on the ground that it's best to be prepared for. Given that delegates will begin to arrive in the capital on May 19-20 we can expect to see tighter restrictions taking effect then.

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Heavy road control and snarled traffic

You can expect much of Beijing's political heart – Chang’an Jie, Tiananmen Square, Zhongnanhai, and the surrounding areas – as well as the North Second Ring Road and Airport Expressway, to be congested as delegates make their way to and from the meetings. We will know more about which areas will be especially congested as the meetings draw closer.

Potential tamp-down on nightlife and large-scale entertainment events

Just as Beijing has started to come out of its shell, we can expect ramped-up scrutiny and restrictions of large-scale events as well as an increased police presence at venues. Historically, it's also a time when restaurants and bars may be raided and customers tested for drug use. In light of the coronavirus and the ongoing restrictions around seating etc., we can expect this year to be especially tight, though perhaps we won't even notice for the very same reason.

Use of all aerial vehicles banned

On top of the already strict aerial vehicle regulations in Beijing, which effectively ban all drone use within the Fifth Ring Road, the Public Security Bureau (PSB) has also released a notice banning all other aerial vehicles, including everything from light aircraft and gliders to balloons, between May 20-28.

Slowed deliveries

The China State Post Bureau has announced that it will start conducting further checks on post and packages coming into Beijing starting May 14. That means you can expect your deliveries to travel slower than usual and any mail that arrives without the proper security identification will be returned to the sender.

Expect the internet to be even worse

Can't access your favorite social media? Yep, that's going to be the norm for the next couple of weeks.