This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

And here’s the traffic report from China: Expect major delays along the Beijing-Tibet expressway today as the world’s largest and longest traffic jam continues. It’s been bumper to bumper on this road since August 14th with vehicles currently backed up for 60 miles. Construction in Beijing is being blamed as is the discovery of large coalfields in Inner Mongolia. Vehicles are not moving more than half a mile a day. Drivers stuck in the gridlock pass the time playing games, sleeping under their trucks and taking walks. Ironically, the only things moving are bicycles which many Chinese abandoned when laws prohibiting privately owned cars were lifted. These bicycles are ridden by local village entrepreneurs selling overpriced noodles and water to stranded motorists. So if you’re planning a trip to Tibet, use an alternate route. Like India. Or maybe Kansas City.

From the Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.