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John Schurrer, MA Student, Center for Chinese Studies
Changing of the Guard
Forbidden City, Beijing. 2005
The Forbidden City is an iconic symbol of Chinese wealth, power and culture, but we are witnessing a changing of the guard. As China develops, Chinese material and consumer culture is gradually supplanting traditional Chinese culture. Traditional buildings are razed to make way for modern structures and people no longer wear the identical Mao suits of the past but prefer designer clothes. This picture exemplifies this transition. The old symbol of power, the imperial lion, sits behind a fence as the new symbol of Chinese power – this young woman in her new clothes, touring the once-Forbidden City – strikes a pose in front of it.
Camera make: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY | Camera model: KODAK LS443 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA | Exposure time: 1/180s
Aperture: 9.5 | Metering mode: Average |Focal length: 7.5mm