My impression of Beijing changes every time I visit. Compared to my last trip in Sept 08 (right after the Olympics), I noticed the following changes, both big and small. Of course, the entire world has also shifted quite a bit over the past 6 months or so.
- Traffic is a bit worse than during the Olympic period. Apparently they have moved from a “driving every other day” system to a “driving 4 out of 5 days” system. All traffic controls will be off in April, so perhaps back to normal.
- Beijing looks more weathly across the board. 6 months ago, I noticed young people being particularly wealthy (or at least in their display of wealth). This time around, I would say that an average Beijinger does not look much different than someone from any other major cities.
- Beijingers look more content, for people up to say, 50 or 60 years old. I used to be able to see the worries off people’s faces from everyday toll. Not so much this time around.
- Cab drivers have become less talkative; minding their own business
- Lastly, at least among the educated elite there, there seem to be an acceptance that some form of social or political unrest will come over the next decade or so.
ThinkChina 