Beijing by Numbers: Box Office, Free Bus Rides and More

4
Beijing’s rank in the 2008 Scientific and Comprehensive Rating Report on Chinese Cities.

According to the report produced by China City Development Institute (CCDI), Beijing is ranked fourth, following Shanghai, Hangzhou and Wuxi. The report is based on each city’s living standards as well as economic and social development. Dongguan, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Jinhua and Ningbo make up the rest of the top ten.

5
Number of subway lines that will begin construction this year.

Of the new lines, the extension of Line 10 to the Fragrant Hill is scheduled to be completed first with a completion date of early 2010 planned.

65
The minimum age for free bus rides in Beijing

Nearly 1.6 million Beijing citizens aged over 65 began to enjoy the privilege of taking buses and visiting select parks, cultural sites and museums for free from the first day of 2009.

8.5 million
Amount in square meters of low-rent and affordable apartments that will be constructed in Beijing this year.

The Beijing government has scheduled to build more affordable housing to boost the housing consumption and benefit low-income earners this year. As part of a national plan to invest RMB 900 billion in low-cost housing construction over the next three years.

10 million

Amount in RMB of the drop in prices of luxury cars in Beijing

The prices of high-end cars in Beijing have been slashed dramatically as the domestic car market begins to cool.

525 million

Amount spent in RMB on films at Beijing's cinema in 2008

According to Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture, box office sales in Beijing reached RMB 525 million last year. This is the third year in a row that Beijing has been the top earning city in China in terms of box office takings.

Links and Sources
QQ: Image of old guy on bus
Beijingology: Beijing Subway Network 2015 (image)
Sina: Affordable Housing pic
Time: Luxury cars parked out the front of the Great Hall of the People back in 2004