Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Jun 17
Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.
Bill Gates makes his first Beijing visit since 2019
On Jun 14, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, arrived in Beijing for his much-anticipated visit, reports China Daily. In a social media post, the billionaire philanthropist emphasized that his primary objective is to address global health and development challenges, which remain significant obstacles for vulnerable populations, particularly in Africa. This marks his first visit to China since 2019, and he plans to head to West Africa as his next destination.
Beijing to Include Assisted Reproductive Treatments in Healthcare Coverage
On Jun 15, Beijing announced that it would include 16 types of assisted reproductive treatments in its healthcare system starting Jul 1, aiming to boost the nation's declining birth rate, according to Channel NewsAsia. Treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, embryo transplantation, and semen freezing and storage will be covered under basic insurance, according to Du Xin, deputy director of Beijing's Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau. This strategic move comes as China confronts a birthrate slump, marked by a record-low newborn rate of 6.77 per 1,000 people last year, a trend set to continue into 2023.
Completion of MAD Architects'-Designed China Philharmonic Concert Hall in Beijing Draws Near
Beijing's classical music scene is set to get a new home as MAD Architects'-designed China Philharmonic Concert Hall nears completion, reports Arch Daily. The 26,000-square-meter building, the result of a 2014 competition won by MAD, will be the first permanent residence for the China Philharmonic Orchestra. Located on the southern side of the Workers' Stadium, the hall will transform the area into a cultural hub for classical music and exchange. The project is expected to be finished by 2024, and its completion will mark a significant moment in Beijing's cultural development.
The Philharmonic (left background) is located in the same space as Gongti
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Images: Unsplash, Irene Li
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