BEIJING -Traffic authorities are warning of congestion hotspots over the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival break.

"The evening rush hour will be longer and more crowded than usual, as more people will go out at night," according to the capital's traffic management bureau in a news release.

"There will be an army of vehicles from 8 pm to 10 pm on roads like the Second Ring Road and the East Third Ring Road, and also in downtown areas. The situation will last throughout the festival period."

Highways are also expected to see a large increase in traffic. "The airport expressway will face more pressure during the morning rush hour," the bureau said.

Taxi drivers are wary of the possible road jams over the weekend.

"Normally, roads leading to outskirt areas like Miyun and Huairou (districts) will be congested as people head to scenic spots," said cabbie Wang Lianli.

The traffic authority has warned of a shortage in parking spaces downtown, especially near shopping malls and restaurants.

"We recommend residents use public transport at night, as it saves the trouble of finding parking spaces and people can avoid driving drunk or tired," the bureau said.