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?

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

 

Qianmen 2007

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

 

South of Qianmen

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

 

South of Qianmen 2007

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

 

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

 

Chongwenmen 2007 The same holds true today, but don't ask the doorman to hail a rickshaw.

 

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

 

Xuanwumen 2007

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

 

Changanmen

Changanmen in '54 was under renovation

 

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

 

East of Changanmen

Down the street in '54 they worked around the square...

 

Grand theater Now a big round theater amuses people there.

 

Beijing Hotel 1920s Getting your car to the Beijing Hotel in the 20s took some off-road adventure.

 

Beijing Hotel 2007Now you can park right by the door, in the right vehicle of course.

 

Wangfujing 1954

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

 

Wangfujing today

Today, pedestrians need fear no car but the tour shuttle

 

Xidan & Changan

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

 

Xidan 2007

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


Comments

We're all gonna

We're all gonna die
http://www.wereallgonnadie.com/



Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Captcha
This question is used to make sure you are a human visitor and to prevent spam submissions.
Copy the characters (respecting upper/lower case) from the image.

List
For

Subscribe Now on
ChinaExpat

Already a user? Login
Not a user? Register