"Beijing in My Mind" a Beijing Travel Page by Arjaree

Beijing is huge. Beijing is grand. As one of the fastest growing city of China, Beijing has done well on remaining the history of the old communist country. Travelers from over the world continuously come press their footsteps on bricks of the Great Wall. Tour groups from other parts of China and from Thailand are lined up with hands holding colorful flags and with red caps on their heads. Millions of pictures have been taken with the picture of Mao at the Tiananmen Square. All along both sides of the road in front of the Tianamen, are people giving out brochures and name cards for their tours to other major attractions in town.

In contrast with the chaotic street scene, everyday life in Beijing seems mellow. The elderly start their day early. They gather to practice Tai Chi. Students walk and bike to school. When evening time arrives, for other major cities the streets may be blazed with neon lights, Beijing stays chilled. Yet restaurants are full of people enjoying hot pot and beers. Subways turn crowded after work. Along the underground paths leading to most stations, people selling corns, bracelets and other little things. A few play the guitar for money.

People in Beijing, locals or expats, seem to take it easy in life. The lifestyle here is not yet fully westernized. The old Chinese are seen walking along side by side with the young modern business women. Within the growing surroundings, an old scented smell of the Old China is still around in the air.