The Global Times reports that commuting times for Beijingers averaged 43.6 minutes from 2005-2010 – 5.6 minutes more than the average time clocked back in 2005.

The statistics were based on a survey of 6,000 Beijing residents and revealed, among other things, that “women take a little longer than men” and people in their 40s spend the most time on the road.

For the full report on Beijing's commute, go to agendabeijing.com.

Has hours of gridlock and blaring horns got you stressed? Share your worst or funniest Beijing traffic jam nightmares for a chance to win a relaxing escape at Hummingbird Spa. The contest ends Monday. May the best story win.

Beijing has been reeling from a slew of bad cab drivers and guilty felons. For most Westerners Christmas decorations in early November are seen as too early which means Londoners will be fed up with Christmas come September.

Here’s a look at some news and opinions for the past week from the drain of sexpats on Beijing to China’s environmental efforts.

Last week the Global Times tipped us off about an increase in fake cabs and counterfeit bills around the city. Despite our weekend undercover efforts of riding in taxis and paying our fare there was not a fake to be found, but we still picked up on ways to avoid getting scammed by taxis.

Take a break from the return of the work week with a look at what’s been going on in Beijing. What better way to procrastinate than with odd and interesting news and videos?

Beijing’s rush to build and rapidly expand its subway system now appears to be revealing a detrimental (not to mention dangerous) cost, right at the same time as reform of China's ticketing system across the country's rail network is creating problems for foreigners in Beijing.

Today is Children’s Day but it’s not all fun and games as many would hope. In China games are plentiful, as long as you don’t mind the toxins.

It's awards season in Beijing, and following on the heels of the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Bar & Club Awards comes the Global Times with their own selection of Beijing’s best - or worst - in their 2011 Cheap Shot Awards.

Food scandals are so common in China that they no longer offer shock or surprise to anyone that’s been here for any length of time. To wake everyone up from that dull slumber Chinese farmers have truly outdone themselves this time – exploding watermelons. Add to that drugged fish and counterfeit duck to round out the latest list to watch what you eat.

The government is at it again. Weeks ago the news was about the ban of time-travel in TV shows and movies. Now it’s police, spy, and romance shows that are getting the boot. What will replace this void? Apparently “a wholesome diet of patriotic propaganda that will glorify the party ahead of the anniversary on 1 July.”