China's North: Imperial Beijing and Xian

China, the third largest nation in the world and the largest in population, offers a virtually limitless range of photographic opportunities. I made my first visit to China in June and July of 2004 experiencing many of its greatest cities and most historic sights.

I have organized nearly 200 of my China images into four separate articles. This is the first of them, concentrating on Beijing and Xian, the two great imperial cities of China's North. Xian, now a city of nearly eight million, was once the largest city in the world. ... (more)

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Hard work, Hu Xian
Two workers attack a pile of gravel in Hu Xian's old village. The shadows...

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article published 7/13/2004

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I must say "ditto" to all the compliments below! Thanks ever so much for these wonderful photos and the excellent history & comments! Aren't the "lions" "Fu dogs"? I don't know much about them, maybe they are part dog/part lion!? A sad thought, our generation probably isn't going to leave anything except plastic trash!! We need to slow down, get patience and produce artistic items!
— Eleanor Robb, April 3, 2005

As a Chinese, I want to say you show us here a real China! And I am very touched by what I see here! Even though the guide took you to many places where just try to sell stuff, but you made most of it! There are many good photos here and I have to pick my personal favorites here: Guards, Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Fogbound Lions Paw, Forbidden City Urn, Forbidden City Forbidden City Moat Morning excercise, Beijing Canalside, Beijing At Prayer, Jinshang Temple Doubling up in Beijing Card game, Summer Palace On the Great Wall at Jin Shanling Xian -- core of Chinese civilization Moving Day in Xian Terracotta colors Terracotta Horses Wall of the Dragon, Xian Catnap in a funeral shop, outside Xian Hard work, Hu Xian Two workers Asleep: terracotta rubble at Xian

Thank you for sharing Phil, I will go read your other articles.

Jen
— Jen Zhou, December 21, 2004

WOWWWW
WOW.... just as usual, your photos are fantastic. You really capture the life in your photos.
— Agustinus Wibowo, December 8, 2004

Xian -- core of Chinese civilization
I like what I see here, Phil. You should have more space to put high quality of all these photo into your book.
— nutkamon, December 4, 2004

Ni Hao
Excellent pictures, Phil. I'm a college student and recently was part of a short-term abroad program in China and we spent a week in Beijing, amongst other cities. Check out my site sometime.

Carl
— Carl, September 4, 2004

Wow!
As usual, Phil, you captured the soul of a country. Your images are amazing. I especially loved the terracotta soldiers and doing dishes in the morning light. But it's hard to single out any one... it is a great collection of photography.
— Diana Lundin, August 12, 2004

Lively China
As usual you have a particular eye for the human and social aspects of your travels. My favourite shots: Simon says?, oblivious, coming to light, catnap in a funeral shop, perfection in art, but there are many other examples I could use.
— Andrea Rasetti, July 20, 2004

There is a true sense of the people in this group of photos. I love the little boy with the Donald Duck t-shirt. You see the old world with the new world peeking in. I love the shot of the resturant staff, the juxtaposition of the legs is neat.
— Tom Stillman, July 15, 2004

China photos
I am impressed with all your photos. I wish i had my leica digilux 1 camera when i was there last 2 years ago.
— darryle, July 14, 2004

Impressive!
What a pleasure to find your homepage! Thanks so much for sharing, not only the great photos, but also the wonderful writings!
— Dawnblazer, July 14, 2004

I had to add another comment.... your people pictures are wonderful.... wish i was brave enough to take more pictures of 'locals' ;o) you're a pro....
— Lorraine Brecht, July 13, 2004

Totally agree with Bob..... great photos.... very well written....
— Lorraine Brecht, July 13, 2004

Great set
Hi Phil,

Welcome back! and thanks for bringing me along in your trip with this wonderful gallery. China must be a very fascinating place to visit. Hard to pick a favorite, but I love your people shots. Morning Excercise is definetely on my top list.

Thanks for sharing

Claudio
— Claudio Gatti, July 13, 2004

Beautiful ..
simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing with all of us the memories of your trip. Enjoyed it very much.

Cheers
— soh gt, July 13, 2004

Welcome back, Phil !
What a pleasure to see your latest photo essay ! As I went through your article, I don't know how many times I said, How did he get that one ? Thanks for another wonderful lesson, not only in photography but also in superb writing.
— Bob Fairbanks, July 13, 2004