Beijing thrives as the political and cultural capital of China but it also kept its roots and traditions. Cars are plentiful but people still bike everywhere, older people hang out in traditional parks and not around the Bird Nest, calligraphy is still an art that is practiced in the street and many traditions are still followed. This is also Beijing.
wow, those are beautiful pictures. I can’t help but wonder what it must have been like when those structures were first built.
Great to capture everyday’s life in Beijing….I like old Beijing 😀
I am so amazed! India and China are so much alike???? Apart from looks (people’s postures) everything resembles so much!
Great post and awesome shots! 😀
All your photos are great. It’s amazing to see another culture like that. I’m sort of jealous that you get to be there. I would probably have to go in winter though hehe or I’d die with the heat I think.
I love how colorful it is there!
i see the traditions, and think they aren’t so different from our eurpoean traditions. we throw coins in fountains and make wishes. on market street in san francisco, people play an aggressive form of street chess. humans are more alike than different.
Seraphines last great read…America is Back. We’re Ready to Lead.
Oh yeah, I find the Chinese a healthy lot who still travels on bicycles a lot. (Cars are abundant too but they still prefer bicycles:)
And you have great photography skills!~
Christys last great read…Sleepless night and a FULL moon
Zhu! How come you didn’t give me any news? I was wondering what happened to you.. apparently you went to China! Don’t know if you’re back to Canada, but if you want to come say hi I’m in Singapore now and for at least one year! Hope to hear from you soon! Cheers, Karine!
Hi Zhu,
Just like I said in your previous post, the old Beijing can still be found in the inner parts of this great big city.
When China’s place in the global stage has been firmed up and stabilized, a more relaxed atmosphere may emerge which will bring all these small shops and many others like them selling all sorts of things will come to the fore.
I’m glad you had pictures of the “old Charm” with you. The separation of the posts were obviously deliberate to get the reactions from readers. Perhaps it was a little survey of sorts?
Anyway, great concept, excellent execution. 🙂 –Durano, done!
durano lawayans last great read…Grumblings of the Gallant Gurkhas
P.S. Zhu,
What are those Chinese characters appearing after the names of commenters to your posts? Those at the right hand panel.
Thanks. 🙂 Durano, done!
durano lawayans last great read…Grumblings of the Gallant Gurkhas
I am so glad you included the old town as well. I love the old traditions. I think they did a great job of giving the town a face lift before the olympics, but its nice to see the face we ‘know’ as well!! Good job!
DianeCAs last great read…Happy Anna Day!!
These are some amazing shots. I love the first one of all the bikes. It makes me want to trade my truck in and buy me a red two wheeler. 😉
The fountain pic is also very cool as well as the red door and the biking to work photo. Hell, they’re all fantastic! Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Scarlets last great read…my new motto…
@sir jorge – China has such a long history… Beijing has legagcy of all dynasties!
@shionge – I knew you would like it. Still, I like the contrast between old/ new.
@Annie – That really motivates me to visit India – I’m sure it’s a photograph’s paradise! I’m trying to learn more about this country, thanks to your help and comments.
@Breigh (Canadutch) – I think Beijing is pretty cold in the winter, and it doesn’t have Canada’s heating system so… I think I like the heat best 😉
@Seraphine – You’re absolutely right. There are a lot of similarities between cultures!
@Christy – Thanks for visiting and for your praise 😉 Bicycles are still the favorite transportation I guess.
@Karine – Sorry Kart, I sent you an email. Things were a bit complicated in France when I left… so I didn’t really have the chance to give you a call in Paris. But it’s much better now and well, Singapore isn’t that far, is it? 😉
@durano lawayan – I don’t think the old Beijing is gonna disappear anytime soon. Beijinger have always been in the heart of their country’s history and they are proud of their root.
Oh, by the way, the Chinese characters are the translation of the post’s title. I noticed that I had quite a few visitors from China and pictures speak for themselves… but I wanted the titles to be bilingual 😉
@DianeCA – Beijing really has these two sides now and I find it fascinating. Thanks for your comment!
@Scarlet – You wouldn’t bicycle in Beijing, trust me 😆 It sounds fun but only if you have nine lives.
Zhu,
This is a beautiful post with lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing.:)
Celines last great read…A Morning Stroll in Haridwar and Religious Zeal