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Yanjiao, which literally means suburbs of Beijing, is a town under the administration of Sanhe city in Hebei province. It’s located about 35 kilometers east of the Capital’s city center. The town is home to half a million people. This is a special coverage of the people living there and today, we look at some who commute daily to Beijing for work.

4:30 am. While most of Beijingers are still sound sleep. Dozens of people in Yanjiao are already waiting for the first bus heading to the capitol.

Qin Guizhen is in line. After she and her husband moved into their apartment in Yanjiao, this is her morning routine five days a week. But she isn’t getting on the bus, rather the spot is for her son-in-law, who works in Beijing.

"Working in the city is not easy, I came early just to guarantee my son-in-law a seat on the bus, so he can rest a little bit more." Qin said.

Many like Qiu do this to allow their loved ones to sleep in a little.

Almost two hours later, Xiao Feng, the son-in-law, begins his long journey of the day.

"It usually takes at least two hours, a longer one will take 2 and a half... sometimes three hours." Xiao said.

The line has curved around the bloc by the time he arrives at the bus stop. Xiao takes over the spot which his mother in law has reserved and boards the bus, the start to his daily long commute. Another option for some commuters is driving their own private car. The long waiting lines for them aren’t at the bus terminal, but on the highway.

"Here it comes, the traffic. I got out earlier than usual today. When I got stuck here, I would watch landing aircraft to soothe my mind. At least it’s less frustrating than staring at the traffic jam." Yanjiao Resident Guo Rongjian said.

Since March this year, driving to the city has become an increasing less attractive option. Drivers like Gao need to apply for weekly permits for their cars to enter Beijing since they don’t qualify for Beijing license plates. That means hours of waiting time each week outside traffic authority offices.

To add to transport woes, Yanjiao’s infrastructure development hasn’t kept up with the pace of the population growth; its population almost double the past five years and more are still trying to squeeze into the town.

"Some new bus lines or even one subway line would be great for all of us who live in Yanjiao." A Yanjiao resident said.

And plans are underway. The city’s municipal authorities have announced works for subway lines from Beijing to be extended to Yanjiao. And two sideways of an express way linking the two cities are already under construction, not an immediate relief for drivers but an effort that will only ease the congestion in years to come.

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