Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Apr 23

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


Line 14 Weekend Operations Extended: Line 14 has become one of the many lines around the capital to have started running a little later on weekends, according to Beijing Daily. Along with a few extra trains being added in both directions on Fridays and Saturdays, the last train from Shangezhuan Station has been pushed from 10.30pm to 11.30pm, while the last train from Jiulongshan Station has only been pushed back by a few minutes, from 11.01pm to 11.11pm.

Wanda Group Scoops Up SOLANA and Wukesong Mall: Chinese real estate giant Wanda Group is set to take over two major Beijing shopping complexes, SOLANA Blue Harbor and Wukesong Shopping Center, according to a report by Beijing Daily. Wanda, known for it’s various “Wanda Plaza” complexes and the exploits of it’s billionaire owner and his son, will take over business operations at SOLANA as of May 1, with the Wukesong takeover to come at a later date.

While the group doesn’t have big plans for SOLANA save for taking it in a “more high-end direction” (make of that what you will), the bigger plans – and hence unannounced takeover date -- are for Wukesong Shopping Center, which the group plans to overhaul into an experience-focused complex. They’ve even got a brand new name for it: Beijing Wukesong Wanda Plaza.

Bird’s Nest Stadium to Launch New Tourist Route: Beijing’s National Stadium – aka the “Bird’s Nest” – has announced plans to launch what it’s termed the “Double Olympic Boutique Experience” during the May Day holiday, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The route will take Bird’s Nest visitors to key points around the stadium, like the central stage area, VIP area, and stadium’s highest point. Here, you’ll be able to learn about tech used during the closing and opening ceremonies for both Olympics, along with facts and tidbits like how the “smiley face” fireworks at the Winter Games opening ceremony was made.

Beijing Tiantan Hospital Announces Covid Tests for Patients with Diarrhea: Tiantan Hospital announced on Apr 19 it would require patients exhibiting symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting to undergo nucleic acid testing for Covid-19. The new requirements are due to a noted increase in Covid patients with gastrointestinal issues. At time of publishing, there is no word if other hospitals around the capital will require such testing.

READ: Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Apr 23

Images: Beijing Daily, 我是天坛人 (via Weibo)