Discussion keeps the world turning.
This is Round Table.
Free parking everywhere.
Well, that sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
But a number of cities in China are actually heading in that direction.
The goal is to free up more parking spaces,
but is this a dream come true for drivers or perhaps just a headache waiting to happen?
We're live from our studios in Beijing.
This is Round Table.
My name is Steve.
We thank you very much for being with us today.
And by "we," I mean myself, Yushun and Yushan.
First up, in 2026, a growing number of cities across China are slashing or even canceling parking fees,
with some places offering completely free parking year-round.
The trend has sparked a wave of discussions about how these changes are impacting car owners and local economies.
From the streets of larger cities to rural counties far from those cities,
the policies are reshaping urban mobility, making parking easier and more affordable.
Sounds great.
And on the surface, it looks like a win for drivers.
But is it?