BIG? ……..NO! HUGE!
Beijing currently has a population of just over 24 million. And it will not stop at that. In fact, with the project of regrouping Beijing with the neighboring province of Heibei and the port of Tianjin, the population would rise to a hundred million inhabitants. Mind blowing. Up to the mark of Xi Jin Ping's projects for China.
Despite this, like Shanghai, Beijing has great respect for its heritage. Between Buddhist temples, ancient neighborhoods and the brutalist architecture of official buildings, it is still in Beijing that one can at the best experience the culture, but also the power of China. Not forgetting, of course, the Forbidden City, the Tien An Men Square and the Great Wall. Classics.
As much as Shanghai likes to define itself and shine like an "international modern city", as much Beijing declines its Chinese identity very differently.
ECOLOGY
Yes, pollution is a huge problem in China. Checking the levels of pollution before leaving home is part of the daily routine, as is purifying the air in your apartment and to filter the water because it’s too polluted. But, initiatives are gradually bearing fruit. Nearly 50 million trees have already been planted around Beijing alone, and in Xi'an, for example, the world's largest air purifier is as tall as a skyscraper.
PEOPLE
When you travel in China today, you realize to which extent the younger generations are the epitome of pure consumerism, the taste of possession has almost become a reason to live. Technology is extremely advanced, alas not for the benefit of a better quality of life, but for a service minded society.
Despite this, despite their great curiosity and thirst for novelty, the weight of tradition is heavy.
KIDS
As a result of the imposed rule of one child only, with its conscious and subconscious consequences, children are kings! Cherished, adored, spoilt by their parents but especially the grandparents who take care of their education, the kids are living treasures. Adorable and malicious.