Beijing as Portrayed by Foreign Photographers: National Week Exhibit at Chaoyang Park

This week, Beijing takes a look in the mirror held up by its foreign friends, providing an extra something-to-do for those of us stuck without travel plans for the October holiday.

Called “Beijing in the Eyes of Foreign Photographers,” the exhibition at Chaoyang Park features more than 800 photos by 119 foreign photographers from 43 countries. The photos span the past 20 years, giving visitors a look at the vast changes the city has undergone during that time period.

Why 20 years? Because in 1999, Beijing began its annual tradition of inviting international photographers to document its sights as they see them. This exhibit is the product of that tradition. 

One of the photographers whose work is shown is François Nadeau, a Canadian based in Beijing who estimates that he has taken over 10,000 photos of the city. His work focuses on traditional parks as well as the sites of the Central Axis that runs north-south through the center of Beijing and includes the Drum and Bell Towers, the Forbidden City, and Qianmen.

The photos on display cover Beijing landmarks, commerce, industry, and daily life, divided into 44 sections all around the park’s Ronghe Square.

Static photos a little too boring? Not to worry, because modern technology is here to make things a little more interesting. In one section of the exhibit, augmented reality is used to create an interactive experience between the viewers and the photos. Other sections feature large panoramas or glasses-free 3D photos, making this a promising stop to see Beijing in a way you never have before.

The exhibit is open to the public and is held at Ronghe Square at Chaoyang Park daily from 10am to 5.50pm until Oct 7.

READ: Find Out Everything You Need to Know about Chaoyang Park in Our Park Life Series

Images: Bjnews