Setting foot in Beijing, the heart of China, for the first time – although I had previously visited other cities in the Land of the Great Wall – I was immediately struck by the immaculate condition of the roads leading from Beijing Capital International Airport to Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Residence Compound in Chaoyang District.

The journey was exceptionally smooth. Not once did I encounter a bump, pothole, or even the usual signs of construction and repair work.

“Wow, this feels less like driving on city streets and more like gliding along an airport runway,” I found myself thinking.

What made this impression even more powerful was the knowledge that, only weeks earlier, Beijing had endured devastating rainstorms at the end of July. The floods claimed 30 lives, damaged roads, disrupted electricity supply, and forced mass evacuations.

According to Xinhua News Agency, more than 80,000 people were relocated, 31 road sections were damaged, and power was cut off in 136 villages.

I recalled telling a good friend, after watching the reports on television, that I would be travelling to Beijing soon despite the severe flooding. My friend reassured me, “Things will be fine by the time you arrive” – and indeed, his words proved true.

Despite the scale of the disaster, the city’s major roads had been swiftly restored, leaving a lasting impression on first-time visitors like myself.

Curious about what makes Beijing’s roads so durable and smooth, I began looking up reports on the subject.

Rubcorp.com notes that China has been addressing urban challenges by using rubberised asphalt in road construction, particularly in rapidly growing cities.

These “rubber roads” not only enhance durability but also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where city areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings.

In addition, rubberised asphalt reduces noise pollution in crowded urban spaces, demonstrating its versatility in both new developments and the upgrading of existing infrastructure.

Beyond the roads, I was equally impressed by how pedestrian-friendly Beijing is, with its wide sidewalks and thoughtfully designed crossings.

As my first impressions suggest, Beijing is a city of resilience and innovation. I look forward to discovering more of its many facets in the days ahead.

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, is currently in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme from 18 August to 15 December 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC programme since 2018.