Long Peace Street: A Walk in Modern China

Long Peace Street is a journey through the story of China's recent past, divided by the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It explores the city's history, from the demise of the last imperial dynasty in 1912 to the present day, and how it has shaped the world's rising superpower.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The street is a testament to the resilience of the Chinese people,who have overcome numerous challenges to create a prosperous and vibrant society.
Long Peace Street, a historic thoroughfare in the heart of China's capital, cuts a long, arrow-straight line that divides the Forbidden City, the majestic abode of generations of Chinese emperors, from Tiananmen Square, a vast granite plaza built to celebrate a New China under Communist rule. As one traverses this street, one embarks on a captivating journey through China's recent past, wandering amidst its physical remnants and absorbing the echoes of its dramatic narratives.

Long Peace Street weaves a tale of modern China, a twenty-mile walk through Beijing that offers a deeply personal exploration of the city's streets. Simultaneously, it transports the reader on a historical odyssey, tracing the intricate threads that have shaped the present and future of the world's rising superpower. From the fall of the last imperial dynasty in 1912 to the present day, the street serves as a testament to the unwavering resilience and determination of the Chinese people, who have weathered numerous challenges and emerged as a prosperous and vibrant society.

As one strolls along Long Peace Street, one cannot help but be struck by the sheer magnitude and grandeur of the Forbidden City. Built during the Ming dynasty, this magnificent palace complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Chinese imperial power. Its imposing walls, intricate courtyards, and lavishly decorated halls exude an aura of majesty and grandeur that is truly awe-inspiring. The Forbidden City's rich history and cultural significance are palpable throughout the street, with each step revealing a new chapter in the story of China's imperial past.

Just beyond the Forbidden City, Long Peace Street intersects with Tiananmen Square. This vast granite plaza, named after the Tiananmen Gate, was constructed in the 1950s to commemorate the victory of the Chinese Communist Party in the Chinese Revolution. The square is a testament to the ideological and political struggles that have defined China's recent history. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Chinese citizens in the name of political freedom and social justice.

As one continues along Long Peace Street, one encounters a diverse range of architectural styles and historical landmarks. The street is lined with imposing government buildings, such as the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, which showcase the country's political and cultural achievements. At the same time, it also features remnants of the old city, with narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard houses that evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition.

One of the most striking features of Long Peace Street is its people. The street is bustling with activity, with locals and tourists alike navigating its narrow lanes and bustling markets. The street is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds, with people from all over China coming together to celebrate, shop, and socialize. The street is also home to a vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings and alleyways.

As one continues along Long Peace Street, one cannot help but reflect on the complex and multifaceted nature of China's recent history. The street serves as a reminder of the country's tumultuous past, from the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912 to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It also serves as a testament to the country's remarkable economic and social transformation, from a rural society to a global powerhouse.

In conclusion, Long Peace Street is a remarkable journey through modern China, a walk that offers a personal encounter with the life of the capital's streets. At the same time, it takes the reader on a historical odyssey, tracing the intricate threads that have shaped the present and future of the world's rising superpower. The street is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Chinese people, who have overcome numerous challenges to create a prosperous and vibrant society. As one traverses this historic thoroughfare, one is transported back in time, witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the ideological struggles of Tiananmen Square. At the same time, one is immersed in the vibrant energy and diversity of the street's people, who embody the spirit of a country on the move. Long Peace Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of China's recent history and culture.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526131577