Recording a vanishing Beijing
2 X9 b* J7 n# k7 {8 t* B: P' X2 kby Jackie Zhang 9 O# H, ^# y- A& ?
http://bjtoday.ynet.com/article.jsp?oid=7735398 YNET.com网际传播
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A photographic record of Beijing’s laneways is being compiled by a group of enthusiasts who wish to preserve some of the city’s history before it is destroyed in the run uto the Olympics.
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The group members are all members of the website Old Beijing. “Lanes house the typical buildings in Beijing and represent the history of the old city,” said Zhang Wei, the manager oOld Beijing, “The reflect the social evolution and cultural background at that time.”Time is against the group, and they must work fast. “We are trying our best to take as many photos of the lanes as possible before they are torn down ecause we want to keep the images of these historical buildings in people’s memories,” said Zhang.This Tuesday, the group went to the Dashanlan area, which is to the east of Qianmen. “The lanes here are to be torn dow and quadrangles in an ancient style will be built,” said Zhang Wei.The group not only takes photos of the lanes, but also enters each yard and visits the residents.
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! p5 H( E* s5 q I* N! w At the front of some yards, old men sit together, chatting. Most of them were over 70 years old. When they discover that the young men are taking pictures of these old lanes, they agree that keeping records of these lanes is necessary.
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“There arepeople come to take pictures these days,” said an old man, “You’d better take photos as soon as possible since these lanes may no longer exist in the near future“So far, we have already taken photos of around 730 laes in Beijing, out of which 300 lanes are being shot in detail,” said Zhang Jinsheng, a member of the group.“Almost everyday, some members come out to take pictures of different lanes. But every Sunday, all the group mmbers will gather together to take photos,” Zhang Wei said.“When more members are participating, we have more time and people to take detailed photos. For example, some people who know more about architecture will ente the yards to see the construction style of the houses; some people who know more about Beijing culture will talk with the residents and try to dig out the history of the yards,” said Zhang Jinsheng,“At the end of thisyear, we’ll put these photos on our website,” said Zhang Wei, “We hope that people can know more about Beijing lanes through these pictures, and also future generations can know about lanand the old Beijing culture when they are gone. 2 Y9 Z9 n5 X/ w' S
[此贴子已经被作者于2006-2-23 20:26:53编辑过] |