BEIJING - Much has been written about the air quality, or lack of it, in China’s crowded capital. But suddenly, everything’s coming up roses on that subject.
That’s because the city, in an attempt to beautify public spaces, planted hundreds of thousands of rose bushes and when they’re in full bloom, like right now, they perfume the usually polluted air with a sweet smell that residents and foreign visitors find most appealing.
The rose bushes are everywhere - in front of historic sites like the Forbidden City, in parks and along roadways leading to the city from Beijing’s massive international airport.
India’s Jaipur, which is nicknamed the “Rose City” because so many of its buildings are painted a rose colour, now has to share that title with Beijing.