Asia Techonomics: Freezing for Beijing's blue sky
Rising gas prices could intensify the debate about China's energy policy. The people in Beijing are complaining about the late start to heating, and some rural residents are getting into financial difficulties.
In Beijing, the nights have already grown cold, but the heating system is not as simple to activate. The official heating season in China's capital only commences on November 15th, when the central heating is turned on. Until that time, many residents bundle up in thick jackets and scarves, working and living in the cold. Social media platforms buzz with advice on how to stay warm.
Those who prefer comfort turn to small portable electric heaters, heated blankets, or switch their air conditioning to warm, despite the higher electricity costs. Even in Beijing's business district, an air conditioning vent hums in an office, but not everyone can afford such luxuries, particularly given the uncertain economic climate.
Many are cutting back on spending. A user on Xiaohongshu, known internationally as Rednote, writes in bold letters: "Beijing, when will you finally turn the heating on? I've had enough of wearing multiple layers of clothes and waking up each night shivering from the cold." In Beijing's old alleys, known as Hutongs, surprisingly many elderly individuals are seen walking along the sidewalks or lounging in parks, basking in the sun and rubbing their aching joints.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
