Chaos Incoming: Beijing Public Parks Close, 256 Bus and 10 Subway Lines Disrupted, Sep 2-3

Here's a good rule of thumb for September 2 until the evening of September 3: wherever you're going, call first to make sure it's open. And if you're thinking of taking any public transportation to get there, you may wish to plan a back-up route, or borrow, buy, or rent a bicycle.

Going for a walk in the park? Leave that contraband at home. According to Beijing News, from September 1-5, "strict" inspections of everyone entering any of the city's major public parks will be conducted. "Tourists will be required to open bags and packages for inspection, with the seizure of contraband, focusing on firearms, ammunition, explosive, knives, toxic and hazardous and other dangerous items," the News reported. Then again, don't sweat it: Chaoyang Park, Longtan Park, Taoranting Park, Pioneers Park (Honglingjin Park), and Yaowahu Park will be closed until 2pm on September 3. Yuyantan Park will be closed from 10.30pm on September 2 until 2pm on September 3.

As for public transportation, the News also reported that from September 2-4, 256 public bus lines and 10 subway lines will be subject to temporary closures or diversions. Some of the better known lines include public bus lines 1 and 2, which will be halted all of September 2-3. Lines temporarily stopped from the morning of September 3 until the end of the military parade include: 9, 10, 14, 15, 22, 24, 38, 47, 52, 60, 69, 82, 88, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 116, 120, 126, 127, 140, 603, 673, the News said. Click this link for the complete list. It's in Chinese, but if you see the number of a bus you regularly ride, expect it to be affected.

Subway line 1 and the Batong Xian to Tongzhou will be closed until 1pm on September 3. Lines 2, 4, 5, and 10 will not stop at stations along or near the parade route, including Jianguomen, Guomao, Dongdan, and Chongwenmen.

As for restaurants, we have word that a fair number of establishments will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. However, taco and pizza lovers are in luck: Ramo will be open for their Pizza Party on Wednesday but will close at midnight and Luga's will be open for their half-price tacos. Meat lovers should note that Home Plate will be closed Wednesday but will reopen on Thursday at 5pm.

If you're looking for a bar to chill in and a film to watch, specifically Fritz Lang's M, Camera Stylo will remain open on Wednesday (but Là Bas will be closed).

See our list of holiday closures here. Our advice above bears repeating: wherever you're going, call first to make sure it's open, at least on the evening of September 2 and daytime on September 3. Have fun!

More stories by this author here.

Email: stevenschwankert@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: Wikimedia