The Beijing municipal government said yesterday that the city's
state-owned enterprises (SOEs), institutions and social groups should adjust
their working hours from July 20 to Sept. 20 to avoid traffic jams.
A notice issued by the municipal government said that, except for schools and
institutions that provide essential services, SOEs should operate from 9 am to 5
pm.
Large shopping centers should open at 10 am and stay open later in the
evening.
Other institutions should operate from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Government departments won't alter their hours, the notice said.
The notice also encouraged institutions to handle business online if possible
and arrange flex-time arrangements where feasible.
