Benefiting from its successful experience during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, from October 11, Beijing Municipal Government has announced that it will adopt new working hours to ease traffic congestion.

The working hours of central state organs in Beijing, Beijing Municipal Party and government organs of all levels, schools, enterprises, institutions and social organizations that guarantee the normal function of the city would stay the same as before.

Large-scale markets in Beijing would open at 10:00 in the morning, and extend business hours correspondingly in the evening.

Other enterprises, institutions and social organizations could choose to start work at 08:30, 09:00 or 09:30 according to their actual situation.

According to a government announcement, virtual offices and flexible working hours are to be encouraged.