Beijing News You Might Have Missed, Dec 16

Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.

Palace Museum Embarks on A Journey Towards a Zero-Waste Landmark: The Palace Museum is leading the charge in environmental sustainability by transforming itself into a zero-waste landmark, reports China Daily. Covering a sprawling 720,000 square meters, the historic site has significantly reduced its waste footprint, from 310 trash bin sets recorded in January 2020 down to just 110 available for public use.

This initiative was part of a comprehensive zero-waste campaign that the museum launched, demonstrating its commitment to preserving the six-century-old relic while promoting responsible waste management among its visitors and tourists. In addition to reducing waste, the museum has also embarked on a recycling journey. Between June 2021 and October 2023, over 32,000 plastic bottles were recycled to create culturally-inspired products. This recycling initiative alone translated to a considerable 931 kilogram decrease in carbon emissions.

Since its launch, the campaign has seen broad participation from the museum community. Approximately 3,000 staff members, 40,000 tourist guides, and a staggering 21 million visitors have actively contributed to this eco-friendly campaign.

Beijing Revamps Elderly Care to Cater to Its Growing Senior Population: Beijing authorities have unveiled a strategy to enhance elderly care services for its growing senior population, reports China Daily. The initiative introduces innovative and diverse care models, including home care for seniors with mobility issues, enhanced institutional care, and travel-based care. The initiative leverages collaborations with Tianjin municipality and Hebei and Hainan provinces to offer seniors affordable, seasonal stays. It encourages seniors to winter in warmer Hainan and summer in cooler northern regions. It also advocates for cost-effective nursing homes in Tianjin and Hebei.

With Beijing's senior population representing 21.3 percent of its total, the city is experiencing a moderate, but accelerating, aging trend. The strategy extends to rural areas, where the government plans to convert unused buildings into community-based service points. Special care will be provided for isolated or disabled seniors in these areas. Echoing this commitment to elderly well-being, Beijing's Municipal Health Commission is strengthening health management for seniors, establishing health records for over 4.18 million people aged 60 and above last year. 

Bing Dwen Dwen Transforms to Majestic Loong Dwen Dwen: The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games' mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen, is getting a majestic makeover to usher in the forthcoming Year of the Long, aka Dragon, a creature steeped in Chinese mythology and a part of the Chinese zodiac, reports the Beijing News. 

This series offers a plethora of licensed merchandise including plush toys, ornaments, badges, ceramics, key chains, postcards, and even precious metal products. These exclusive items are accessible at China Unicom's retail outlets, as well as several brick-and-mortar stores like Gongmei Emporium in Wangfujing, Xin'ao Shopping Center, and numerous Beijing branches of China Post.

READ: Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Dec 9 

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