Flowing Year NO.1 Ancient City, An Unforgettable Memorial

Author: Qiu Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-29
Features: This issue of "Flowing Years" is a collection with the theme "Ancient City Memorial." It aims to reflect on and record the changes in Beijing, this ancient city, during historical moments of urban transformation, exploring the evolution of architecture and culture, and striving to preserve memories on the brink of disappearance to the greatest extent possible. Whether it's hutongs, siheyuan (traditional courtyard houses), the charm and customs of the ancient city, or once-clear geographical coordinates now blurred, these are all the topics of this issue. In this collection, we gather articles and images from renowned figures who advocate for ancient city preservation and have witnessed the era's transformations, narrating the vicissitudes and fleeting memories of Beijing, this ancient city, in the form of text and images. In these modern times, nostalgia has become a spiritual solace and a direction for reflection for the masses. However, nostalgia comes in many forms—looking back at history and past events, as well as cherishing landscapes that have withstood the test of time. Nostalgic emotions are often simple, which is why "Old Photos" and similar series of publications were once immensely popular. Standing at the dawn of a new century, reflecting on past events, each person who has experienced them will have their own emotions. We hope that those living within these moments can record their fleeting stays and the landscapes that have already or are about to vanish. This is not just a longing but also a responsibility. The creation of "Flowing Years" is based on such reflections. Recalling our fleeting days, looking back at the past, witnessing the present, and expressing the emotions of the world in simple terms—these are its core principles. "Flowing Years" is an ongoing publication of humanistic, historical, and geographical literature, released in four issues per year. It revisits history from a contemporary perspective, records the progress of the times through documentary writing, and bears witness to past events through striking images. The scenery of "Flowing Years" is yesterday, it is today, and it is also the future. "Flowing Years" primarily includes the compilation and discovery of historical materials and relics, reflections on history, and nostalgic reflections on natural landscapes, among other themes. Each issue of "Flowing Years" is designed around a specific theme, calling for the return of humanistic spirit in both text and images. Whether it is texts laden with profound historical significance or sincere accounts from eyewitnesses, for "Flowing Years," it all embodies the authentic style of recording the passage of time.