High Contrast Beijing : Same Spots, Different Worlds

Say what you like about Beijing – it will outlast you. Most of the buildings pictured in black and white were ancient when they were photographed. The people, however, were not. They didn’t think of themselves as part of Beijing’s tumultuous, fathomless past. Do you? Of course not. But do keep in mind that someday, more than likely, someone will look at a picture of you. And you’ll be long gone. History. So will many of the buildings in the color pictures once again be dust. Will it matter? Will you?

In 1915, Qianmen Gate saw thousands pass beneath it by the hour.

Now,most people whiz right by – who wants to negotiate all that rebar fencing?

South of Qianmen Gate – at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Hear the Dragon rumble.

The same area, one hundred years later. Comparatively uncrowded.

At Chongwenmen in 1909, it was good to have some pull…

The same holds true today, but don’t ask the doorman to hail a rickshaw.

In 1927, Xuanwumen was known as a fairly broad thoroughfare.

Eighty years later, room for quite a few horse carts and rickshaws, but no need.

Changanmen in ’54 was under renovation

Maybe now it’s time to address the street light situation.

Down the street in ’54 they worked around the square…

Now a big round theater amuses people there.

Getting your car to the Beijing Hotel in the 20s took some off-road adventure.

Now you can park right by the door, in the right vehicle of course.

Wangfujing in the 50s – walk at your own risk.

Today, pedestrians need fear no car but the tour shuttle

Xidan and Changan Intersection, 1954: not exactly a shopper’s paradise.

Now a world of shopping waits, and so do the cars!

Related posts:

1. Beijing’s Ski Spots
2. Excessive Force or Racism by Beijing Police?
3. Why was China’s High Speed Train Derailed?
4. Beijing Scoffs at Talk of Olympic Boycott
5. Drinking the Beijing Olympic Kool Aid

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