Shenzhen hosts 33rd APEC leaders meeting with measures to ease traffic

Shenzhen is poised to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting next week -- with its news centre having begun operations today.

The host city is promoting green travel, remote working and staggered commuting to ease possible traffic congestion.

Preparations are entering their home stretch for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting slated for November 18 to 19 with the Shenzhen International Exchange Center in Futian District expected to be the main venue for the summit.

This Hong Kong tourist says the site doesn't just reflect the grandeur but also "the China speed" in construction.

This Shenzhen resident says the venue has seen more visitors in recent days, and expresses hope that more cooperation consensus can be reached at the summit -- to help improve the overall economy.

Officially opened Wednesday, the APEC conference and press centre is just 10 minutes walk from the main venue.

Registered media representatives have to undergo security checks.

Apart from host China, leaders of more than twenty member economies including the United States, Russia, Japan and South Korea, as well as international organisations will be in attendance.

Starting November 1, Shenzhen has introduced a five-year citywide honking ban.

Offenders will be fined 300 yuan with exemptions in specific circumstances.

Some drivers prepared these "squawking rubber chicken toys" as substitutes.

Local authorities also promote "green travel" -- encouraging drivers to commute by public transport during the summit with half-priced fares for all subway and bus services citywide.

A ride-hailing driver said it will be business as usual for them but will keep an eye out in case of temporary traffic controls.

Some delivery platforms have also lifted the overtime penalties on their couriers in anticipation of possible traffic congestion.

This delivery worker says services might be slower during the summit with at most a 10-minute delay.