ChinaTalk Reinterpreting Beijing and its history
Nov 13, 2019
Jeremiah Jenne, a history teacher and creator of Beijing by Foot, dives into Beijing's rich history and rapid transformation. He discusses how the Chinese Communist Party has reshaped narratives about the Qing dynasty, from criticism to celebration. The conversation also touches on the contrasting historical portrayals between Beijing and Taipei, exploring ideological influences on museums. Jenne shares insights on urbanization's impact on local culture and the fascinating experiences of tour guides navigating a complex ideological landscape.
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Varying Reactions to Modern China
- Some visitors admire China's infrastructure and gush about its modernity.
- Others worry about surveillance, asking about cameras and lip-reading capabilities.
Differing Perspectives on Authenticity
- Visitors from developed nations often seek an "authentic" China, associating it with older aesthetics.
- Visitors from developing nations, however, may view China as a model of development and admire its modern infrastructure.
Rebuilt History
- Many tourist sites in Beijing have been rebuilt or renovated recently, reflecting the CCP's changing historical narrative.
- This often results in sites that don't accurately reflect their actual history, instead portraying an idealized past.