The Metamorphosis

By Trisha Cowen
July 27, 2008

Beijing is a city going through a process of great change. Hundreds of cranes paint tall disturbances in the horizon of a million lights. The lulling songs of cicadas give the trees voice. Exquisite buildings rise by the day, while old ones fall at night. Since the open-door policy took effect in 1978, China opened up to the world not only in trade but also in culture. Since then, China has been growing in body and mind.

I like to compare Beijing to their immense willow trees. Beijing is ancient like the roots in the earth; its branches move and change shape with a strong gust of wind from far away lands but the same sap runs through its veins. Its flowers are small yet undeniably beautiful, graceful, and hardy

Daily dress in Beijing is casual, yet distinctly stylish. Walking down the streets of Beijing is like turning on Project Runway. The girls have flowing shirts that fall to their bony knees. They gracefully float through the crowded streets in tall heels. For a little while I thought that men carried purses, but after a closer inspection they were just carrying the purses of their love interest. The people here, especially the younger generation, are kind, curious, and will do anything to help you feel at home.

For the first four days of my stay in Beijing, I could not see the sky. The smog gave the city an eerie, claustrophobic feel. The clouds were thick, dark, and impeding. Just when I began to come to terms with the fact that I might never see blue skies for another month and a half, the clouds parted and the city of Beijing awoke from a shadowy cocoon. It is rumored that 20 of the largest factories were relocated outside of Beijing and some were shut down for the Olympics. It is obvious that it is very difficult for China to deal with the issue of pollution due to the enormous population, but great efforts are being taken to ensure that the athletes and inhabititants breathe clean air.

On a normal day in Beijing, the traffic is very compact and since the majority of Chinese drivers are new to the sport, there are many collisions. Accidents are treated differently in China than in America. If an accident occurs, the person in the wrong gets out his wallet and pays the other driver and then they are off. No time is wasted.

Brave bikers take up the traffic lane farthest to the right. They ride centimeters from taxi drivers with road rage. Personal space does not exist in China, whether it be on the brand-new subways or on the road. The skies remained blue as road space rationing began in Beijing on Monday July 21^st. Only even numbered license plates can be on the road one day and the next odd plates. As soon as the car policy went into effect, the subways became unbearable, even though the subways are much nicer than in Boston or New York City. Everyone is cramped inside, one person on top of another until no one was left behind. Your body will be morphed into the mold of sticky bodies, but so far everyone has come out alive. Although, I do suggest taking a couple showers after getting off.

There are two sides to Beijing, as there is to every place. The divide between classes is painfully evident. One street will be decked out with a Starbucks and an upscale mall that is much more pricy than at home. A few streets down you will come upon a gritty hutong, or a historical alleyway with elements of a past time sprinkled along the edges. You might find a bike mechanic with his parts spilled across the dirt piled street, or a shoemaker sewing a sandal back together that is still connected to a foot. Babies run around naked as wild dogs fight for a scrap of rotten watermelon. The new and old are as marked as the continued belief in yin and yang, which means “two mutually correlated opposites.” In China, symbols are very important; they believe that everything has an opposite and a purpose.

China is ecstatic to be hosting the Olympic Games, which will begin on 08-08-08. It is important to note here that the number 8 is a very lucky number, so if you don’t have the number 8 in your own telephone number it will be hard to find friends.

Throughout China, banners are posted on every building, flowers are being trucked in from outer provinces to add to the historical sites, new venues are still having finishing touches put on, and excitement is bursting from within every heart. Children and adults alike carry around the Olympic mascots called the five Fuwa’s. Hosting the games for China is not simply an opportunity to put on a great show, it is proof that they are an up and coming nation with a growing perspective. It is amazing to be in the midst of this great cultural melting pot in a city with such a colorful past.