The Beijing municipal government said on Sunday that the city's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), institutions and social groups should adjust their working hours from July 20 to Sept. 20 to avoid traffic jams.

A notice issued by the municipal government said that, except for schools and institutions that provide essential services, SOEs should operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Large shopping centers should open at 10 a.m. and stay open later in the evening.

Other institutions should operate from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Government departments won't alter their hours, the notice said.

The notice also encouraged institutions to handle business online if possible and arrange flex-time arrangements where feasible.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2008)