Beijing, the capital of the Chinese mainland, experienced its first snowfall of the season on December 12, layering streets and parks in a crisp white blanket.
Rather than rely on traditional chemical de-icers, city crews have deployed a fleet of machines – from heavy-duty plows on major avenues to compact snow blowers in narrow lanes – alongside teams of manual laborers. This hands-on strategy keeps sidewalks, bike paths, and public squares clear without the environmental toll of salt and glycol-based melts.
The eco-friendly effort not only preserves urban greenery and prevents chemical runoff into waterways but also enhances pedestrian safety. With winter weather expected to intensify in the coming weeks, Beijing's approach offers a cleaner, sustainable template for snow management.
Global cities facing similar winter challenges can look to Beijing's green snow-clearing playbook as proof that innovation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. As cold snaps become more unpredictable, balancing functionality with sustainability will be key for urban centers worldwide.
Reference(s):
Beijing's snow-clearing goes green: Fewer chemicals, more machines
cgtn.com
