Exploring Beijing’s Different Personalities
Michael Wang | August 18, 2008
Michael Wang poses in front of a pagoda at the Temple of Heaven.
Less than three weeks into my stay in Beijing, it became apparent to me that I will miss this city, and especially the people that I have come to know and call friends. Little had I expected that my favorite cultural experience during my time abroad would in fact be interacting with the graduate students at my host institution. I enjoy having discussions with them on China’s history, politics and society, and observing the similarities and differences between Chinese and American societies. I especially value these conversations, because they inspire me to not judge others and they compel me to be better educated on world issues.
Aside from engaging in enjoyable conversations with peers, I have also been fortunate to experience Beijing’s two different personalities. The Olympics have just commenced, and the aura of the city has changed drastically from before the games. There are noticeably much fewer cars on the streets, due to government efforts to curb Beijing's pollution, and the hot topic among locals seems to only be the Olympics. Who could blame them for being so caught up in the moment? I never imagined that I would live in the host city for the Olympics while the sporting events took place. Needless to say, I am pretty excited for the games myself.
Wang at the Temple of Heaven poses in front of a circular podium that the emperor used to give lectures.
I’m also excited that I’ve had the opportunity to experience China’s rich and ancient culture by visiting a number of Beijing’s revered icons. One of the more memorable landmarks that I’ve visited thus far is the Temple of Heaven. The centerpiece of the Temple of Heaven is a towering pagoda, with blue roof tiles lined at its top in a radial pattern. Its architectural engineering is quite impressive, and it’s hard for me to fathom how architects in ancient times managed to create such an intricate structure that still remains standing and well-respected today. Today, its image can be seen on many advertisements all over Beijing.
The other day we went to Houhai, an area lined with rows of Hutongs, houses from Old Beijing, that have been renovated into a recreational area with many restaurants and bars. There I got to see a different side of Beijing, contrasting with the sprouting high-rises that dominate the modern Beijing skyline. I’m glad that I got to see this rapidly disappearing face of an evolving city.
Wang in front of a busy street off Tiananmen Square, which used to be the heart of Old Beijing.
Aside from all the valuable experiences I’m having, I have also made significant progress on my project on influenza and have gained a great deal of useful computer knowledge. Although I’ve stumbled across a number of roadblocks, overcoming them has helped expose me to different approaches in my research that I probably would not have thought of otherwise. I am hard at work, yet I am also having fun this summer. Things couldn’t be better.
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Michael Wang studies in Beijing, China's capital . |
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