Incredible! Beijing Skies Clear for Military Parade

I was last in Beijing 21 years ago, when there were relatively few cars, massive numbers of bicycles, and big piles of cabbages on street corners. I had been warned about the changes that would affect me in particular, someone who suffers from many allergies and breathing issues. And that doesn't even include the fear this past week that the explosion in Tianjin would "float" chemical air to Beijing. But to my (and everyone's) surprise, the skies are clear, the air is breathable, and we even saw a star in the sky tonight. Why? There will be a massive military strength-showing parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII next week, and the preparations include shutting down factories, closing stores, only half of the cars at a time allowed on the streets, and all that it takes to massively reduce air pollution for the weeks leading up to the parade. In fact, there was a dress-rehearsal today which meant synchronized jets with colored trails, military marches, etc. right past my hotel street but I was too jet lagged to wake up in time.

Political thought of the moment for me: the anti-Japanese sentiments of the country -- yet they invited me to come here and speak. It's shameful what Japan has done, yet refuses to fully acknowledge or apologize.

Here, a drive-by photo taken out the taxi window.

[Taffy]

Glad to see you made it safe and sound--we missed you last night for our first company night in the house!!

[Anna]

What a lot of wires!

[Joan Robillard]

When I think about this"stuff" like just start playing Imagine in my mind.

[Marnie]

Wow, I guess that's one good thing about the kind of government control in China. Very impressive.

[Rachel]

I wonder if they seeded the clouds too to make it rain and clear the air. That's what they did when we were living there. I hope the air stays clear for your visit.

[Junko Y]

@taffy @seanna @joansmor @golftragic @888rachel Thank you for taking time to read my long description. As you could tell, this photo was selected for the story it held, rather than as a photographic image to be celebrated. Government control is so varied around our world, and seeing its effect on daily life is something to ponder. But Rachel, seeding clouds? I've never heard of such but if any country could make it rain for a purpose, I'm sure it would be China! I'll be here three more days, almost entirely for work, but trying to sneak in some photo time each day.

[Charleen]

Thanks for telling the story behind the photo. There must be many conflicting thoughts going through your mind.

[Rachel]

@jyokota Yes, we were in Beijing when they were preparing for the 2000 Olympics. As part of their agreement, they had to 'green' the city, so they planted great swathes of grass. This promptly died, so when the IOC Committee arrived, they had all the school kids out there spray painting the dead grass in green so it looked alive! I have fond memories of China, but nothing is as it seems.

[Rosan]

Interesting commentary and food for thought.

[Richard Hickey]

Awesome picture and perspective.

[clalin]

Interesting story, thanks for it.

[Rosie Kerr]

I am (belatedly) viewing and reading the comments. What a fascinating discussion, above. I love the idea that, in China, nothing is as it seems. I hope you are enjoying your trip!