Converse

Converse asked Xiao Gan to present us parts of Beijing that are special to him, good or bad. This is an opportunity to visit parts of this overcrowded and everchanging city through the eyes of a local artist.

In my eyes, Kunyu River refers to the area from Bali Village Bridge to Zizhu Bridge. It's the only way you can get from Gu-Lou East Street and Xin Jie Kou to my home. I feel extraordinarily calm when I cross this river. especially at night, the darkness and the light mis on these waters that have washed away so many tragic stories. Every time I drive past here, I can't help but checking to see if there is anything in the backseat. I'm not joking, I look everytime. I haven't done anything bad, but i'm scared we'll anger the ghosts!

It's quite pleasing to walk here in the daytime, so I walk as slowly as I can. Especially in the summer, the quiet river and the willows are so beautiful. If I ever compose a love song for Beijing, this place will be my first choice. Welcome to Bali Village Bridge, but take notice: No Fishing!

Xiao Gan, a musician from Beijing, shares with us one of his favorite sports in the city: The east drum-tower street. Madi Ju also comments on her thoughts about this part of Beijing.

Xiao: 

It's easy to get a perking ticket here, but I have to come, because I spend at least half my time here in the practice studio at Hutong 6. There are two trees in the field. One is a date tree and the other one...is a date tree too. Almost every song by THE BIGGER BANG was written here. The Small field is filled with joy and beer bottles; I feel sorry that we've thrown so many cigarettes in the drain.

The landmark here is MAO, many of our bands performances have been here. There is no need to mention how important MAO is to everyone. South LUOGUO street is close but I've never been. Gu-Lou East is neither old nor new/ There are so many fashion stores on Gu-Lou East street but I have no interest in clothing. There are so many restaurants, none of which are very good, but I still eat there sometimes.

Madi:

For me, even though I haven't lived in Beijing too long, I spend most of my time around Gu-Lou. I want to avoid recommending it, but there is always something to eat and to find in the vintage stores there. As Xiao Gan says, maybe we don't love Gu-Lou East but we spend most of our time there. It's a miniature BJ.