Christopher Cherry's photostream  

Qingdao, China.

Liang Sicheng, so-called father of modern Chinese architecture, used to live here. He is famous for the idea at the beginning of New China that the old city of Beijing should be left alone, and a new version built on a site just to the West (near Gongzhufen). Mao is alleged to have replied along the lines of 'I fought for years to get into this city, I'm not about to leave now."

Liang is also notable for advocating the protection of the old city wall, campaigning that it should be turned into a giant park. As with most intellectuals, he suffered a great deal during the glorious proletarian cultural revolution.

This house was demolished yesterday, incredibly to aid its 'preservation.'

An old one I don't think I ever posted.

Beijing, China. Provia 100.

This is where I'm living now, in a sort of 6 floor low rise near the hutongs of central Beijing. The best of both worlds...modern comfort (the first toilet I've ever had in China that flushes properly!), whilst being within a brief stroll of areas that allow you to feel you are actually living in an ancient cultural capital, with a past that is visible, and where people have grown used to particular rhythms, with habits that mark them out as locals.

Fuji GA645W