“No Car Day” in Kunming, China

In 2007, Kunming, China joined over 100 cities around the country for a “No Car Day” (无车日). One year later, Kunming has upped the ante by instituting a “No Car Day” on the last Saturday of every month.

On “No Car Day” private cars are not allowed to drive within the first ring of the city - but taxis, buses, bikes, and motorcycles are. Policemen enforce the ban on driving and citizens seem receptive to the idea of less congested streets and cleaner air.

Known as the “Spring City” because of its good weather and greenery, Kunming has extra incentive to promote public transportation through environmentally friendly campaigns in order to maintain its allure for tourists.

For more, check out China’s Green Beat video covering Kunming’s “No Car Day”.