BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing municipal government said on Sunday that the city's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), institutions and social groups should adjust their working hours from July 20 to Sept. 20 to avoid traffic jams.

A notice issued by the municipal government said that, except for schools and institutions that provide essential services, SOEs should operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Beijing municipal government said on Sunday that the city's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), institutions and social groups should adjust their working hours from July 20 to Sept. 20 to avoid traffic jams

    Large shopping centers should open at 10 a.m. and stay open later in the evening.

    Other institutions should operate from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Government departments won't alter their hours, the notice said.

    The notice also encouraged institutions to handle business online if possible and arrange flex-time arrangements where feasible.