Local stores offer to offset drivers' costs

Beginning today, daytime parking fees will be adjusted in 13 major shopping areas in Beijing, including Wangfujing, Xidan and Yansha. To cope with the change, shopping malls are introducing favorable parking policies to retain customers.

"Currently, we have 180 underground parking spots at the Wangfujing Department Store, although the underground parking fee has been raised to 6 yuan per hour. We will still offer free parking between 5 pm and closing time," Dong Yi of the store's marketing department told Beijing Youth Daily.

Another large mall, Joy City in Xidan, decided to keep its favorable parking policies as well.