"Everyone will be fined for spitting," read the headline in Thursday's
Beijing Daily Messenger.
In a city of 15 million, jumping ahead in line is common. So is
spitting and littering, which officials hope to restrain in an effort to
improve the city's image.
Officials have announced a range of measures including "punishment and
reward" programs to improve conduct.
One campaign for "civilized behavior" kicks off Sunday in the
Wangfujing shopping area, located just east of Tiananmen Square. This will
be the first "Queuing Day," which will take place on the 11th of each
month.
The 11th was picked because the two numbers, 1-1, resemble two people
lining up.
Spitting could start to become costly.
People spitting could be fined up to 50 yuan, or $6.50. In Beijing, 50
yuan is the daily income of a Chinese college graduate. It can also buy 16
subway tickets on the Beijing system.