Flow Year: Remembering Our Passing Time NO.1 Ancient City, An Unforgettable Memorial

Author: Qiu Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-29
Features: This issue of Flow of Time is a collection, themed "Memorial of Ancient Cities." It aims to reflect on and document the changes in Beijing, this ancient city, during moments of historical transformation, exploring the evolution of its architecture and cultural heritage, and striving to preserve memories on the verge of disappearing 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 by time, these are all the topics of this issue. In this collection, we gather articles and images from renowned figures who advocate for the protection of ancient cities and have witnessed the era's transformations, narrating the vicissitudes and fleeting memories of Beijing, this ancient city, through a combination of text and visuals. 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. The emotions of nostalgia are often simple, which is why series like "Old Photos" were once immensely popular a few years ago. 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 fade away. This is not just a longing but also a responsibility. The creation of Flow of Time 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 a simple manner—these are its core principles. Flow of Time is an ongoing publication of humanities, history, and geography, released in four issues per year. It revisits history from today's perspective, records the progress of the times through documentary writing, and bears witness to past events through striking images. The scenery of Flow of Time is yesterday, it is today, and it is also the future. Flow of Time primarily includes the collection and excavation of historical materials and relics, reflections on history, and reminiscences of natural landscapes, among other themes. Each issue of Flow of Time 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 history or sincere accounts from eyewitnesses, for Flow of Time, it all embodies the genuine style of documenting the passage of time.