The UK put up a great show during the closing ceremony, I loved it (and I thought of you!). Jimmy Paige, the mayor, Beckam, a double-decker bus… I’m sure the OG will be very different from Beijing’s but the UK should be a great host.

@DianeCA – I agree, I’m not a mall person. However, the malls have a Chinese twist as well and there are quite fun.

@Tend & co – Thank you for dropping by… and for the praise!

@Annie – I find this modern side fascinating because it changed so much since the last time I was there.

@kyh – Beijing was bound to change, but I think it still has its roots, like I showed in the following post

@Max Coutinho – I totally understand and I agree with you. That said, China’s modernity fascinates me because it was so sudden and unexpected.

@nhuong – Same here! It’s a wonderful city. So much energy…

@Froggywoogie – Thank you!

@shionge – Beijing is crowded, that’s for sure. I like the contrast with Canada though!

@Seraphine – To be honest, it really depends on the district. Some are really old and traditional but the new suburbs are very modern… it’s a bipolar city!

@durano lawayan – Beijing still has a lot of charm in my opinion. It changed, for sure, but Beijinger love their history and are creative people. It will still be Beijing… just more modern on the surface.

China has indeed undergone massive development and modernization which arguably cost a steep price – in economical,cultural, and humanitarian factors. No doubt, there will be supporters and detractors to the effort.

However, considering the population density and the need to sustain all the requirements of its humongous size, the transformation was inevitable. Its role as an emerging power is also a contributor to ensuring this sustainability.

The old charm missed can still be found in the nooks and crevices of China’s cities. With time, all these will reappear at the forefront when the country morphs further into a less self-conscious and more merchant oriented attitude, borne of the citizen’s natural inclinations and ingenuity. –Durano, done!

durano lawayans last great read…Palin and the Prophecy of the Pig

Seraphines last great read…Who Can Say NO to Drugs, Sex and Oil?

I think that some of the reactions to the changes in Beijing are quite normal: people are always reluctant to accept and welcome modernity! It is the same for every single human being in the world (specially those who have reach a certain stage in their lives).

Loved the photos: it is a lovely city indeed.

I have one thing to say though: sometimes I fear that the world is becoming the same wherever you go. A few years ago, you could be abducted and yet know exactly where you were; but nowadays you open your eyes and you can be just anywhere: London, Paris, Beijing, NYC…wherever, since they are all beginning to look the same!

Cheers, cherie

Max Coutinhos last great read…Physical World: its purpose

kyhs last great read…O Malacca, how great thou art!

I loved both sides on Beijing! I liked both of the architectures!