Old Beijing

Contrast modern Beijing with traditional Beijing. 

 

Here are some shots of the hutong, the wonderful narrow alleys of the old city.  There's a simple, commercial life in the hutong that is fast disappearing to make way for a faceless modern city.  That's a pretty western perspective, I think.

I rented a bike to see the old streets.  I was "lost" half the time, but it was pretty awesome just to pedal my way around the city, never knowing what was around the corner.  PLA soldiers doing a service project, dogs playing, people selling vegetables.  Eventually, I came into the Hou Hai Lake area, which is upscale these days, full of bars and great walking streets.