Modes of transportation: not all bikes anymore

Pictured is one of the few places where I found lots of bicycles. What used to be the main mode of transportation has now been replaced by cars. It seems that in the past 5 years or so, every household has (or has access to) a car. And what I've noticed more this time around is how many more luxury cars are on the road. The most popular ones are Mercedes and Lexus. It's great that everyone has a car but it poses a major traffic and parking problem. Apartment buildings are not built for parking lots so some will charge an average of 3000 RMB / year for a parking spot. As far as the traffic problem, I'm not sure how and when that'll be resolved. But it is a major problem causing major jams everyday!

Bicycle graveyard

I'd just like to take a moment to acknowledge all these bicycles that are now neglected and abandoned due to the rise in automobile sales in Beijing. If you look closely, there's a thick layer of dust on all of these pretty little things.

You're an odd driver

2 years ago, it was only the rich who were able to afford their own vehicles while the rest still used their bicycles. Now, it seems that everyone has their own car, many with multiple cars (a personal and a company car). In order to regulate traffic and to improve the air quality in Beijing, residents are not allowed to drive their cars everyday. Those with license plates ending in even numbers are allowed to drive on even days, and those with odd number license plates are allowed to drive on odd days.

Here is my aunt on 8/4 driving us around since she has an even number license plate. She, my cousin, and I have a conversation in English.