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Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand

China

China

China

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand

2026-01-02 20:37 Last Updated At:21:07

Beijing City is intensifying its efforts to enhance public well-being in response to the growing demand from residents for more flexible services.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the Beijing Government Service Center will offer select high-demand personal services on weekends and most public holidays, including vehicle and driver's license processing, certificate applications, passport services, and other frequently used services.

"This year, we received feedback from residents and made targeted adjustments, including setting up a 24-hour self-service area and reorganizing service counters, to make the process simpler and more efficient," said Yan Dongdong, director of Beijing Municipal Government Service Center.

Most services can now be handled online, with offline assistance also available, significantly reducing waiting time at service counters.

"There used to be long lines. Now, once we arrive, things are handled very quickly," said a Beijing resident.

"I made an appointment online. Everything was done smoothly and quickly when I arrived here," said another Beijing resident.

The center now brings together 60 government departments, offering more than 2,300 services in one location, making public services more accessible and efficient.

The center has also introduced reading services and exhibition areas for cultural displays, expanding its role as a more open and people-centered public space.

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand

Giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality became the star attraction during the New Year holiday, delighting crowds with their adorable antics in specially arranged winter play scenarios.

To involve the giant pandas in the New Year celebrations, the zoo built snowy enclosures surrounded by snow blocks and prepared a fruit feast for them.

After eating their fill, a giant panda climbed into a small wooden car and sat leisurely in the driver's seat, a scene that sparked laughter and prompted visitors to eagerly take pictures.

"Coming to see the pandas was the main reason we visited Chongqing. They're so fluffy, plump, and chubby -- it made me super happy," said a visitor.

On New Year's Day, the first day of the three-day holiday, the Chongqing Zoo has welcomed 28,500 visitors. To enhance the holiday experience, the zoo also organized a series of New Year-themed activities from January 1 to 3, including educational talks about animals, knowledge quizzes, sachet-making workshops, and fun interactive games.

Giant pandas draw crowds in Chongqing during New Year holiday

Giant pandas draw crowds in Chongqing during New Year holiday

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