Global EditionASIA 中文双语Français
Opinion
Home / Opinion / Bruce Connolly

Fulfilling a Beijing courtyard dream

By Bruce Connolly | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2019-01-29 14:56
Share
Share - WeChat
Cycling along Beijing's narrow alleys 2001 [Photo by Bruce Connolly/chinadaily.com.cn]

Winter, when it snowed, became a particularly beautiful time, as in January 2001. I loved to awaken and discover the garden covered in white under the blue Beijing sky. Somehow it reminded me of traditional paintings I had come upon of Beijing in earlier days. Then, I would quickly head off with my camera trying to capture the scenes in the hutong, for the snow would surely soon disappear. It seemed to dampen any sounds, creating a feeling of walking almost in silence, broken occasionally by a passing bicycle cart.

My courtyard experience proved an ideal base to immerse myself within the hutong culture of the early city and to contemplate and study the various influences on design, layout and, indeed, even the hierarchical structure, where there were strict criteria regarding size, location and more. Doors were fascinating for they came in different sizes, but all were constructed to rules. It is best to visit somewhere such as today's extensive Beijing Capital Museum to understand the complexities and the significance of the exterior stone piers, or mudun, and much more.

Most Viewed in 24 Hours
Top
BACK TO THE TOP
English
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US