June 26, 2007
Disturbing the Harmonious Society
Beijing Mystery: What’s Happening To the Billboards?, by Jason Leow
“The campaign appears to have started with a crackdown on the advertising of luxury [goods] … the advertising ban has been extended across much of this vast city as part of what city officials are calling a massive ‘urban reorganization exercise’ … Companies have until the end of this month to tear down whatever [billboards are] left or face fines. Outdoor ads are now officially allowed only outside the Fifth Ring Road encircling the city, several miles from the city center”
“The billboard industry’s losses may become a boon to others. Focus Media Holding Ltd., which has about 100,000 video screens in and around corporate towers and upscale apartment blocks, saw first-quarter revenue grow 75% over last year. ‘The cleanup of outdoor billboards’ must have contributed to the growth, a spokesman said.”
I noticed this but didn’t know what was going on. I’m still waiting patiently and hopefully for the masses to rise up and smash every Focus Media screen in the city. The harmony of both my office building and apartment building is disturbed by those wretched things (the locals don’t seem to mind them though).
June 26th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
From my brief time living in Asia (Korea), it seemed to me that they are less concerned about noise and sight pollution than Americans or Westerners. I would go to beautiful buddhist temples with a big propane tank sitting in the middle, or go to a market where are guy with a bullhorn and an amplifier would scream about whatever. The locals didn’t seem to mind.
June 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
bjk: Yes, in fact most Chinese tend to be very uncomfortable with quiet and prefer 热闹 (renao, or “heat and noise”).
June 26th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I agree with you Maoxian and thanks for your site. For me, it is what makes that culture different. During my 3 weeks every month in China, Thailand, etc.. I look forward to and embrace the cultural change… Different things make the spice of life. Have a great day…
June 27th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
This is a campaign by the Mayor of Beijing. He believes that all the luxury ads are unsettling to the vast majority who could never afford such things. Next they’ll need to forbid BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis inside the 5th road.
June 28th, 2007 at 10:14 am
ShaMao: Yes, it’s silly, and of course the Focus Media screens cause the most trouble of all.