Empty streets in Beijing now. What is going on?

Based on the current date and time (New Year's Day 2026 in Beijing), reports indicate that the empty streets in Beijing are likely caused by a combination of the New Year's public holiday, severe cold weather alerts, and circulating narratives regarding economic migration.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what is happening in Beijing right now (January 1, 2026).

1. It is New Year's Day Morning (Public Holiday)

• Time Context: As of your query (Dec 31, 6 PM PST), it is Thursday morning, January 1, 2026 in Beijing.

• Holiday Schedule: The city is observing the first day of a 3-day public holiday (Jan 1–3). With government offices, schools, and many businesses closed for the break, the morning commute traffic that usually clogs the Ring Roads is virtually non-existent.english.beijing​

• Quiet Celebrations: Unlike the Lunar New Year (which falls in February 2026), the Western New Year is typically quieter in China. Strict bans on fireworks within the city further reduce street activity and festive noise.youtube​

2. Severe Weather & "Eurasian Weather Divergence"

Beijing is currently in the grip of a significant cold weather event, which is keeping residents indoors.

• Road Icing & Snow Alerts: Meteorological authorities issued alerts for snowstorms (Blue alert) and road icing (Orange alert) leading up to the new year.chinadaily​

• Extreme Cold: A broader weather system described as the "Great Eurasian Weather Divergence" is currently affecting the region, driven by a stratospheric polar vortex disruption. This has brought bitter cold to Northern China, with temperatures dropping significantly below freezing (typical lows of -9°C to -15°C).youtube​travelchinaguide​

• Travel Advisories: Authorities have explicitly advised the public to avoid driving due to icy conditions and to use public transportation if necessary, effectively clearing private vehicles from the roads.chinadaily​

3. The "Ghost Town" Narrative & Economic Context

You may also be seeing reports referencing a "ghost town" phenomenon, which is a specific media narrative currently circulating.

• Migrant Worker Exodus: There are reports and viral videos (e.g., from China Observer) highlighting a "deadly silence" in Beijing, attributing empty streets to migrant workers leaving the city earlier than usual due to an economic slowdown.youtube+1​

• Retail Slump: Observers have noted that shopping districts and supermarkets appear unusually quiet for a holiday period, linking this to lower consumer confidence and a "deep recession" narrative where people are spending less time and money out in public.youtube+1​

• Early "Chunyun": While the Lunar New Year rush (Chunyun) typically peaks later, some reports suggest workers are returning to rural hometowns early due to a lack of work, contributing to the "emptying out" feeling in the capital weeks before the traditional festival.youtube​

Summary Table: Factors Contributing to Empty Streets

Factor	Status	Impact on Streets
Date	Jan 1, 2026 (Holiday)	No commuter traffic; businesses closed.
Weather	Severe Cold / Icing Alerts	People staying indoors; driving discouraged.
Economy	"Ghost Town" Narrative	Reports of migrant workers leaving; low retail foot traffic.
Policy	Fireworks Ban	Lack of visible street festivities/crowds.

In short, the streets look empty because it is a freezing holiday morning where people are staying warm inside, compounded by a broader economic trend of reduced street-level vibrancy.

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