Beijingers will be very familiar with this: tighter and tighter restrictions ahead of an international sporting event. Having lived in Beijing during the Olympics in 2008, I can say, humbly, that Beijing’s restrictions were much worse than what’s been happening in Shenzhen so far. Back then, even outdoor eating areas or beer gardens were closed for security reasons, in the middle of summer!
Nonetheless, if you ride the Shenzhen Metro (be careful of those pesky escalators), you’ll have already noticed some enhanced security measures. This is now going to be spread to all forms of public transport in Shenzhen, according to a report in the Southern Metropolis Daily (南方都市报) so kindly translated by @MissXQ:
Shenzhen will extend security checks from the subway to all kinds of public transportation, such as buses, intercity buses, travel vans and taxis from August 1st to 25th, according to a joint announcement from the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau and Transport Commission of Shenzhen Municipality.
Nine classification of items are not allowed to be brought on board public transportation by passengers.
Seems straight forward, right? Well, here are the nine categories:
- firearms, military or police weapons
- explosives
- control tools
- flammable items
- toxic chemicals: including cyanide, pesticides and other highly toxic or corrosive materials
- substances including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, liquid batteries, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and more
- radioactive substances: radioisotopes such as radioactive substances
- anything that may endanger flight safety or interfere with the normal functioning of the various instruments of an aircraft, strong magnetic material, or a material with a strong or irritating smell
- the provisions of state laws and regulations of other normally prohibited goods for transport
I’m not sure if carrying radioactive material in a Shenzhen taxi was a pressing social issue that needed attention, but there you have it. If you have any stories or good photos of intense security in Shenzhen in the lead-up to the Universiade, send us a quick email to let us know.
Be safe out there.
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It’s very annoying now to take the subway. They want to scan all your bags before you can enter, which leads to huge queues everywhere.
Also many security measures around the stadiums (see photos on my website).