The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which revved up in Shunyi district yesterday, temporarily paralyzed the traffic in the district during rush hour.
Meanwhile, Beijing traffic authorities have enforced traffic restrictions and suggested residents should take public transport.
The exhibition this year sees more than 1,000 cars on display and the debut of some 120 new cars. Yesterday, although it was open for media only, it attracted enough reporters and exhibitors from all over the world to cause congestion in the areas near Beijing International Exhibition Center, not far from Beijing Capital International Airport.
"It normally takes me five minutes to drive from my home to the exhibition center, but today it took me an hour in the morning. And by the time I arrived at 9 am, I couldn't find a place to park my car," said Liu Jiangjun, a resident living near the airport. As founder of a local website and auto fan, Liu was invited to report on the exhibition and said it was the biggest auto show he had ever seen.
"They had many launches of new cars, and I think that's why the residential area, which usually sees light traffic, was so bad today," Liu said.
Traffic management authorities have posted on their website traffic restriction plans to inform residents. They have issued a special pass for nearby residents who drive, and vehicles are banned from traffic in restricted areas except for buses and those with the pass.
It was very difficult to get a taxi when the exhibition ended yesterday at 6 pm, and illegal cabs were out in force. Even real taxis were asking extortionate prices or only willing to take people who agreed to share a ride with others. There is a nearby subway station on Line 15.
The auto exhibition will last until May 2.
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