It’s been pretty chilly in Beijing for a few weeks now. Today was typical. Temperatures ranged from 43 degrees to 55 degrees F (6-13 degrees Centigrade).
Today was actually a special day. It was the day Beijing authorities ordered central heating in buildings turned on. You read correctly. Citizens don’t turn their own heat on here.
In normal years, the heat comes on Nov. 15. That means at this time of year it’s common to see people rather chilled when they come in to work. They’ve spent the night huddled under lots of blankets. It dipped below freezing a few nights last week.
Most housing units (unless they still burn coal) don’t have much control over the heat they get. Some have wall air conditioning units that also have a heating function. Most people have had no heating yet this autumn. Even many restaurants are frigid, with diners eating in thick sweaters or coats.
Foreigners often live in compounds (I confess that it is the case of my family) with an exception to the rule. Our compounds get heat on or about Oct. 15 and it lasts all the way to mid April.
Like all residents of Beijing, one hears a lot of commentary about this. But today I asked my office assistant, Fan Di, to do a little more formal surveying. So she posted some questions on a popular internet forum. Among her questions: When do you think is the best time for the government to supply us heating? Do you think that the time for central heating should be adjusted according to air temperature instead of Nov. 15th every year? Do you think that the government should set the level of heating or should each household decide the temperature by themselves?
Here are some answers:
Pink blouse: I don't care whether or not they supply us central heating. If I feel cold, I'll just turn on the air conditioner. It's useless for ordinary people to protest.
Bell tower, silver bridge: Buildings where leaders live already have central heating, which will last until next April. This is a "harmonious society." I think I should turn my air conditioning on now.
Kailuoluo Wang: I think it is better to control heating by ourselves. I can decide whatever temperature I like by myself. I can make my room warm enough until the next May Day holidays.
Becoming crazy money: I do wish that the time could be more flexible. I really wanna feel the heat when central heating arrives.
Serene sword: It's so cold! I've been wishing to have central heating since early November.
Stonecs: In my apartment, we all burn coal gas, which I think is good. We began burning since the day the temperature dipped below 20. But of course it costs us more money. Still I think this is a better way.
Fox Miumiu: It's really inhumane. The policy (Nov. 15) hasn't been changed for 50 years.
Toutou on the cloud: I think it's unfair that our foreign compound started supplying central heating Oct. 15. Why are common people different?
Vanessa-wq: In my opinion, newly-built residential buildings should all use electricity or natural gas instead of central heating. It is better for the environment. That way, we can also adjust the time and temperature by ourselves.
Pprabit1227: Our residential building belongs to the military, so we don't have to wait till Nov. 15. We have our own separate central heating duct that we can adjust ourselves. We have been given central heating for more than two weeks. It's too hot inside the room so we have to switch off the valve.
Fascinating. For as much as the Western media focuses on 'abstract' issues of political freedoms, media censorship, etc. It's the day-to-day issues that always seem to get the warmest (pun intended) response.
Just a question: Did Fan Di identify herself or her post as asking these questions on behalf of a foreign media correspondent?
Simply curious.
Posted by: Jeremiah | November 07, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Jeremiah, she just posed the questions as a curious person. Since responses are anonymous, it seemed like a good way to get honest feedback.
Posted by: Tim J | November 08, 2007 at 01:53 AM
Theres still much about China outside of the usual CNN headlines that ppl are unaware of. This report is a great example.
My friend recently messaged me that she received 20kg of turnips from her publication 'dan wei' as a holiday bonus. Perhaps you could do a little article on the Chinese practice of awarding random things to employees as taxfree bonuses. I believe its very prevelant, and the things ppl get range from toilet paper to molding cement.
Posted by: rio | November 12, 2007 at 06:57 AM
oh and a side of donkey in a recent case.
Posted by: rio | November 12, 2007 at 07:00 AM