Photos taken by Paul Douglass (Yale University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Spring 2025
Walking along the streets of Beijing at night you are bound to pass warm and inviting storefronts that sell quick eats for cheap. This particular shop is located in the heart of the city just outside of Tiannamen. I and a few of my CET classmates stopped for a bite to eat after a night out downtown.
Beihai Park is one of the largest surviving imperial parks in the city. Built in the 12th century this park contains a trove of historic sites perfect for students looking to immerse themselves in Beijing’s cultural history. Just a subway ride away from Capital Normal University, CET students caught this amazing evening scene as we were leaving the park.
Chinese pavilions are a staple in traditional Chinese architecture. They provide a place to meet and rest. CET students stumbled upon this one while wandering around one of Beijing’s many parks.
The White Pagoda in Beihai park is a Tibetan stupa that sits on the highest point of the park. This gate and path leading up to the stupa were particularly beautiful. Beijing is a wonderful place to dive into deep religious histories of China.
Paper lanterns can be found all over Beijing. They are an important piece of Chinese aesthetics and culture. I found these lining a walkway while going on an afternoon walk with CET classmates and local friends.
This pond is located in the heart of Beijing. In the winter you can skate on it and when the weather warms you can rent paddle boats to explore the park on water. My classmates and I came just in between the two seasons, so were unable to ride, but they make for a lovely photo.
Beijing has a vibrant art scene. Last weekend, CET students and their Chinese roommates took a trip to 798, an industrial zone turned into an art district. Here my classmate and his roommate took a look at some hand carved trinkets.
One of Beijing’s art districts 798 is filled with vibrant colors and displays. These brightly painted lanterns overhung a walkway. My classmates and I had a wonderful time exploring the art scene in Beijing.
Shopping in Beijing is an adventure. From high-end malls to local stands, Beijing has it all. My classmates and I ran into this small ceramics shop while wandering around 798, one of Beijing’s largest art districts.
Green roofs are a unique piece of Chinese architectural history. Traditionally they were installed on important imperial structures such as Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. My CET classmates and I came upon this beautiful tile roof in Beihai park, an old imperial garden.