A moment in time: Love in public

Young Chinese lovers' attitudes about intimacy in public places have changed. Before the country's reform and opening-up, most Chinese people were conservative, especially with regard to the way lovers interacted in public. In Chengdu, Sichuan province, young people in 1977 were a little shy and kept their distance from each other. But things are different now. Young people are willing to share a kiss in public. During a Christmas celebration in the Wang fujing area of downtown Beijing, some hugged and kissed in 2005, seemingly oblivious to others around them.

Photo by Wang Wenlan / China Daily