Beijing, Spring of 2022
This is the first role of film that I ever took, probably in March 2022. I used my brother's camera that he left at home and walked around in Hutongs 胡同儿 and Beihai Park (北海公园)

I walked around aimlessly and took photos of things that caught my attention.

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I remember it was around midday on a weekday, so the streets were quieter than usual. Some kids were playing 踢毽子 and 躲避球 in the open space. I got up to the tall grey bell tower to see if I can get some good photos. I remember the stairs were made with giant stones so I had to take big strides with each step. At the top of the tower I could feel the gentle breeze gliding past me. 

I visited this same location again when I went back home in the summer of 2023 and 2024. Both times it was always bustling with people trying to take professional photos. There were photographers with heavy cameras and tripods taking photos for people wearing and posing in 汉服.

I wondered if this place would ever feel like that day in early Spring in 2022 again. 


Top of the bell tower

I was a little disappointed when I got to the top because all sides were protected with high railings, blocking the views of the city.



I think I might have mesmerized by the aging of the stones so I took a photo of it.




I had barely any idea on how to operate a film camera, and the one my brother was apparently a special of Nikon, which makes it more difficult to use. 


Beihai Park 北海公园