China's 'Foreigner' Hotels To Fade Into History

China has begun lifting a restriction that has kept foreigners segregated from the general population, in government-designated hotels.

The China Daily says foreigners now can choose to live wherever they want in Beijing's eight urban districts. By October 1, the choice will extend to the entire city - including rural districts. For decades the government has told foreigners which hotels they can live in, saying the restriction was necessary to ensure their safety.

A police official - quoted by the China Daily - said the lifting of the restriction was part of the reform of Beijing's public security system.