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Letter from the Editor of the Beijing Fact File, 2004 Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor

Distorted though most Beijingers' lifestyles remain at this time in that the ramifications of SARS inconveniences us all in one way or another,it seems clear that more and more people are finally unlocking their doors and venturing out ,albeit wisely still masked and bent on trying to avoid crowds.if there is a concertedc yearning for anything,it's for a return to everyday"normality"-and never mind the grid-locked traffic,overcrowded buses,wayward cyclists and pollutants in general.

Could be that you are among the physically and emotionally jaded who yearn for some really fresh air and wide-open spaces,which is why we this month remain you that the city.s many superb parks ar ready and waiting for you to pay the first of you summer visits.many families will righly flock to these horticultural gems,which are all roomy enough to prevent the build-up of crowds.Enjoy

while again asking you forbearance over our reduced number of pages,we nonetheless bring you most of regaular features and updates that you have come to expect.it is natural at present ahta people largely prefer to eat in the open air,so our Dining Guide highlights some of the colorful alfresco restaurants around Shichahai Lake.

Never have we in Beijing exprienced such a quiet and somewhat glum start to summer.Inevitably,much of the edge has been taken off our expectations about holidays and other enjoyable activities.All we can do is hunker down,remain patient and calm,and do all we can as individuals to prevent the further spread of SARS

Li Mingxia
Deputy Editor-in-Chief