Beijing has an intriguing air about it. It makes news as much for its history that dates back to ancient years as it does for being in the vanguard of China’s rapid strides into modernity.
“Charming Beijing”, a photographic exhibition currently on in Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, seeks to unravel the many myths about the Chinese capital: its oriental charm, its behemoth of an infrastructure and the vibrant past that pervades its present.
The pictorial caravan, ‘Charming Beijing’ comprises 60 photographs. It showcases the melange that is the Chinese capital’s skyline: imposing old structures like the imperial palace and the Temple of Heaven standing cheek-by-jowl with the gigantic Olympic structures like Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
Emblematic of China’s progress is the prime exhibit at the event: the photograph of 38-km-long Chang’an Avenue, the main thoroughfare running north of Tiananmen Square and lined up on either side by the Great Hall of the People and central government buildings.
Yonghegong Lamasery, the 315-year-old Maitreya Buddhist temple, houses the 18-metre-tall Maitreya Buddha, the biggest wooden figure in China, which is carved out of a single log of white sandalwood. The Lamasery is a living proof of how reverential Chinese are of their past.
“The photographs are proof of not only how developed China is in terms of building technology, but also how natural is their concept of beauty,” an amazed visitor, Vittal Bhandary, said.
The other visual delights on display include Beijing Capital International Airport, Asia’s busiest aerodrome, the seamless expressways, spic-and-span subways and the huge railway transportation network.
“The exhibition only proves that a huge population need not be a drain on any country’s resources. And despite all this development, Beijing remains green in all senses of the word,” said Nilesh Salunkhe.
The exhibition of photographs was inaugurated on Sunday. The show will remain open between 10 am and 7 pm till May 20.
Source : http://www.dnaindia.com
