Beijing News
October 15, 2007

The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China opened in Beijing at 9:00 this morning. The Congress will go on for 7 days and will map out China's development for the coming five years before closing on October 21. Every paper in the nation led with this story today (view a selection of front pages).

The front page page picture in The Beijing News shows party representatives raising their hands to vote on the makeup of the 22-member delegate qualification examination committee during preparatory meetings held yesterday.

The headline beneath front page picture announces that all Beijing citizens over 60 years of age can be vaccinated against the flu without charge from today through November 15. All primary and junior high students can receive half price vaccinations.

Other headlines:

• Folding bikes are now prohibited in the Beijing Subway. "Passenger volume has jumped since the ticket price was cut. So, after considering safety issues, we issued this rule," said one subway official;
• Seven blocks in Beijing have been put under temporary traffic restrictions for the 17th Party Congress;
• The Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau announced yesterday that the water quality of Kunyu River (located near the West Third Ring Road) is now up to the standard of drinking water.