Traffic shut down, security tight in Beijing ahead of Communist Party centenary
- Roads closed and public transport disrupted in parts of the Chinese capital
- Celebrations to start with a ceremony but it’s not known what else is planned
Vehicles and pedestrians have been banned from the Tiananmen Square area since Monday, and a further seven routes affecting about 70 sq km (27 sq miles) of the downtown area were closed on Wednesday afternoon, the city’s Public Security Bureau said.
Tiananmen Square, in the heart of the capital, has been sealed off since Wednesday last week for “decoration and construction work”, while public transport has also been disrupted, with 80 bus services and many subway lines running on shorter timetables or on diverted routes.
As for major events in the capital, police, paramilitary officers and security guards are out in force, and the streets have been decked out in Chinese flags and flower arrangements.
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Exhibitions and history lessons: China prepares to mark 100 years of the Communist Party
Residents will not be able to see the ceremony up close but it will be broadcast live on state television.