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Published: March 5th 2012
I think that visiting Beijing after spending so much time in Shanghai made me look at the city differently than I would have if I had visited it sooner. I found Shanghai and Beijing to be like night and day. Shanghai as a city is so young, everything is new and there is an energy to the city that you feel everywhere. In contrast, Beijing is steeped in history and is far calmer because of it.
I liked Beijing, but it didn't energize me the way Shanghai does. When I first got to Shanghai, I found the number of people and chaotic way the streets operate overwhelming. While Beijing has just as many people and just as many cars, there is a control in the city, and it lacks the manic vibe Shanghai gives off. I missed that vibe and noticed its absence.
I think my favourite thing about Beijing had to be the Hutongs. I visited them several times on the visit. Once to find a whole-in-the-wall bar, which was well worth whatever bodily fluids ended up on the bottom of my shoes in the alleyways to find it. The second was to explore
a hutong with camera in-hand, and I loved it. The community culture of Beijing (and China) was on display, local squares alive with people enjoying a beautiful day. It was really nice, and something I wish I saw more of at home.
My time in Shanghai has probably made me biased, but I think the difference is that where Beijing represents China's past, Shanghai is a looking glass into China's future. And the mentality of the city's represent that. It will be interesting to see how the two cities evolve in the future. I suspect Shanghai will outpace Beijing in the long-run, however that may be my personal bias talking.
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ElyseandPete
Wanderlusting Winter
Amazing pics
You have chosen wonderful pictures and captured the feeling of a cold, winter time in Beijing.