China: Life in Beijing
One of the great megalopolis of this world, Beijing never ceases to surprise me. Even though the number of skyscrapers has easily quadrupled since the first time I visited in 1995, you can still find quiet corners where it seems as if time has stood still. But believe me, it hasn’t. Not here. If anything, time has been torn down and has been rebuilt to look as if it is standing still (but this time with running water and electricity).
It seems to me that only when you look into the eyes of the old people and see enlightened wisdom and then into the eyes of the very young that you find unspoilt innocence. In between these two extremes of life, there is only the rush and surge of business and making money that moves today’s 17 million Beijingers.
I had the privilege of being in Beijing during the week-long festivities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The photos of the floats and all the people strolling in the evening in Tienamen Square reflect the atmosphere of pride in being Chinese and general enjoyment at being at the center of things.
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- Grandparent and -child enjoy the afternoon
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- Never idle hands: making little good-luck golden boats
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- The all-important wedding pictures
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- The Christian Church on Wangfujing Street
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- 18-month old already adept at online games
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- The new (left) and the old (right) in plain view
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- The “Egg” National Performing Arts Center reflected in pool
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- “Ice cube” swimming stadium and 6-star hotel in background
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- Multi-color light-show of the Olympic Tower
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- Imposing Great Hall of the People on Tienamen Square
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- Proud parents with quaint pram
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- Celebrating the good ship China
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- Colorful float from one of the provinces
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- Posing in front of the night lights of Tienamen Square
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- One of the most useful inventions – wheelbarrows
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- Tricycle and wheelbarrow still in wide use
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- Young guards, guarding a construction site
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- An inviting shop selling tea
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- Neighborhood DIY Beijing style – find it here
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- Methods of locomotion, 2, 3 or 4 wheel
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- What type of light bulb do you need?
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- Clothes can be dried anywhere, even in an alley
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- Picturesque clothes line
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- Sidewalk sweets vendor in front of a school
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- Tricycle cargo – not as overloaded as they used to be
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- Beijing sunset skyline
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- Upscale apartment
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- Deluxe Hotel “Legendable” in French style
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- Excellent 24-hour, 3-story restaurant near Lama Temple
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- Chose your fish from 1 of the 42 fish tanks at this restaurant
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- Beijing Duck and other goodies-delicious
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- National Art Museum of China
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Your beautiful photographs make me nostalgic! What a city!
And the city changes every minute....
Oh my goodness - I was last there in 1986 - it is unrecognizable of course......long to go back. Fab pix!