Something I appreciate a lot about Beijing as a city is the preservation of its attitude and culture. There’s certain pride of being a native Beijinger – in similar way that New Yorkers think they’re the certain of the world, Beijingers certainly think they’re at the center of China, if not of the world (yet). Yet, this makes it quite challenging for us, waiguoren (foreigners), to break into the circle. In fact, it’s equally difficult for waidiren (non native beijingers) establish a strong foothold.
I also sense a bit of bitterness, of waidiren eroding the Beijing culture. Many older generation native Beijingers can no longer afford to live in the city “new money” continues to flood in. The city is getting younger, wealthier and more diversified.
There’s something about this that is heartbreaking - Buried under Beijing’s growth, a few generations are getting left behind.
