Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Dec 23

Beijing is a happening city!  Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.

Ministry of Ecology Forecasts Pollution for Christmas Weekend: The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has highlighted a significant temperature inversion event set to affect the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region until Dec 25, reports Beijing Evening News. This weather phenomenon, compounded by southerly winds, is likely to result in light to moderate air pollution in Beijing, with pollution levels peaking on Dec 25.

Areas surrounding Beijing, particularly Tianjin, central and southern Hebei, and western Shandong, also face the prospect of moderate to severe pollution levels. Nevertheless, a change in conditions is on the horizon, with the pollution expected to abate on Dec 26 and 27 thanks to the arrival of cold air flows that should aid in clearing the skies.

Railway Line Enhances Regional Connectivity with Swift Tianjin-Beijing Airport Link: The new railway line connecting Tianjin Municipality to Beijing Daxing International Airport commenced operations on Monday, enhancing the integrated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, reports China Daily. The G8842 Fuxing bullet train left on its maiden voyage from Tianjin West Railway Station at 7.58am, arriving at Daxing Airport Station at 8.50am, heralding a new era of greater regional connectivity

Designed for speeds up to 250 km per hour, this 101-km route, with a new 47-km section, includes six stations and boasts the fastest train completing the journey in just 41 minutes. The streamlined service offers a quick and efficient transport option, solidifying ties between key economic zones and providing a boon for local commuters and travelers.

Tunnel Boring Machine Launch Marks Milestone in Beijing-Hebei Intercity Subway Progress: The launch of the final tunnel boring machine signifies a major advancement in the construction of the inaugural intercity subway line linking Beijing with Hebei province, reports China Daily. This development in the Langfang section propels the project forward, as confirmed by local construction authorities.

Spanning an impressive 81.2 kilometers, the Beijing Subway Line 22, also known as the Pinggu Line, will serve commuters at 21 stations. This project is spearheaded by the China First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd, a key player in the subway line's construction.

Upon completion, the new line promises a swift nine-minute journey from Sanhe, Dachang, and Xianghe counties in Langfang to the Tongzhou district, Beijing's burgeoning sub-center. Additionally, it will offer a rapid 32-minute commute to the central business district of Beijing, with easy access to the Dongdaqiao Station area.

READ: Beijing News You Might Have Missed, Dec 16 

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