Beijing Archives - Jottings from the Granite Studio

“Historic Courtyards and Residences That Could (or Should) Be Opened to the Public,” The Beijinger

September 1, 2017

The Beijing Municipal government wants to restore and open some of the city's previously off-limits gardens and courtyards. Here are three that should be on their list of courtyards to make open to the public. [Read More...]

“Nail ‘Hood,” The World of Chinese

August 7, 2017

In a Beijing village, a community of strivers clings to a doomed existence. [Read More...]

“Beijing’s Mystery Canal: Centuries-Old Brook Reimagined in Qianmen Neighborhood,” The Beijinger

July 4, 2017

Beijing has transformed a long-lost waterway into a beautiful new park near Qianmen. The trouble is, the brook doesn’t seem to exist on any historical maps of the city. [Read More...]

“On the Future of Nanluogu Xiang,” The Beijinger

November 3, 2016

Several sections of popular Beijing hutong Nanluogu Xiang are closed this month for "renovations." In my latest post for the Beijinger, I reflect on the past, present, and future of the neighborhood. [Read More...]

“Reading Hillbilly Elegy in Beijing,” Los Angeles Review of Books China Blog

October 8, 2016

A review essay for the Los Angeles Review of Books on the similarities between the historical experience of the rural white working poor in the United States and a new generation of migrant workers in China's cities. [Read More...]

Requiem for a Noodle Joint

July 19, 2016

In Beijing’s fast evolving food and beverage industry, the lifespan of a restaurant — a short-lived beast in any environment — makes the medfly look like Methuselah. [Read More...]

Beijing’s Roadways: Beyond Thunderdome

May 31, 2016

I've seen drivers plow through crowded hutong, barrel down bicycle lanes, and park on sidewalks. I rarely ride my bike anymore, it's too dangerous and I feel for the guys who make a living riding around town delivering food and packages. [Read More...]

Five people you meet on the Beijing metro…

December 20, 2011

I’ve been riding the subway more. I don’t know why. I’ve never before been particularly masochistic nor do I generally enjoy close physical contact with strangers. But it seems an economical way to get around the city now that every available road surface is jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive. Having spent quite a few commuting hours below ground now, I’ve started to distinguish a taxonomy of my fellow passengers, including several species which I find it best to avoid. [Read More...]