In the Shade of Snowy Willows

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Never before have I taken a photo on Liuyin Street (柳荫街), right around the corner from my home. This, perhaps Beijing’s most attractive street in what was formerly the most noble section of the city, is usually filled with homely tourists, rickshaw drivers, and urban peasants. Fortunately these elements clear out after nightfall and during snowstorms. In times like these, there is no more romantic place for a stroll. It will be painful not to be able to live near it after the area becomes completely gentrified – sure to happen in less than a decade. I am, as of yet, not part of the gentry.

Nels Frye is a freelance writer, photographer, consultant and stylist, based in Beijing. Focuses are on street style, other consumer trends, and broader social issues.

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