> > by Marianne Rogerson
China’s capital city has undergone a momentous transformation in recent years, its fascinating history quickly being joined by an equally enthralling present. Historical sights such as the Forbidden City and Summer Palace allow the masses to walk in the footsteps of Emperors, while the famous Peking Opera enchants audiences with its colourful masks and screeching melodies.
And then of course there is the Great Wall, where a walk amongst the crumbling bricks whisks you back to a forgotten era of Mongolian nomads and frightening battles. But from within this traditional realm, a flourishing contemporary art scene is surfacing, as proudly exhibited in the workshops and galleries of the Dashanzi Art District. And although the traditional structures, such as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, with its enormous portrait of Chairman Mao presiding over Tiananmen Square are undoubtedly impressive, they are quickly being overshadowed by modern marvels such as the Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ and the highly controversial National Grand Theatre.
On the back of the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing is enjoying improved infrastructure and amenities, and with its new cultural identity emerging from this fusion of old meets new and east meets west, there has never been a more exciting time to visit Beijing.