Beijing’s pension reform comes into force on Jan. 1. From the beginning of the year, the retirement age will be gradually raised over a period of 15 years until 2039. Following a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, men will stop working at the age of 63 instead of 60. Female office staff will retire at 58 instead of 55, and female workers at 55. The increase will take place in dozens of small steps in order to make the reform socially acceptable.