Square Files Back Triumphantly
The largest city square in the world was reopened to much official media fanfare on June 28 after a 237-day renovation.
A regulation curbing kite flying on Tiananmen was reversed within two weeks of the new
square reopening.
The new-look square now sports a light pink granite surface. The square's original flagstones, lighting and obligatory sound systems were installed in 1959. Some of original dull grey cement bricks have found their way to the Feng Hua Yuan Drive-in Cinema.
Twin ground lamps now light up the 315 new trees planted along the square's
sidewalks. A further 4,535 lamps have been installed to light up the city's central
attraction.
Two green areas, each 4,800 square meters, have been built on the east and west side of the square. The fountains have also been upgraded.
Authorities had also announced that kite flying, a popular traditional activity at the square, was now subject to regulations involving a 20-yuan annual registration process at a kite management office.
The decision was reversed on July 9.
