How Could the Case of Republican Beijing Exemplify Esherick’s Idea
Joseph W. Esherick has described that modernization of cities of China needs improvement in the provision of facilities to the public, and up gradation of the urban infrastructure. It also requires preservation of sites and structures that can help in the preservation of the cultural identity. The case of Republican Beijing exemplifies Esherick’s idea in way that the infrastructure of the city was improved, and more facilities were provided to the public. It can be considered from the fact that there are rules, regulation, and proper control of police on people in the Beijing, one police officer control thirty residents, and there are street gates for ensuring proper social control (Esherick 4). However, in all the aspects, special attention has been paid on structuring the capital in order to impress not only the residents or the citizens, but also to impress the foreigners who come to visit the city. Beijing exemplify Esherick’s idea in a way that the imperial spaces in the city has been modifies into the public parks (Esherick 4). The imperial ritual sites were, however, converted into the public parks, as trees were planted on the sides of the main streets for the aesthetic impact and the shade. For Beijing, a contemporary set of the public buildings was considered important for the population, public libraries, exhibition halls, museums, sports stadiums, and the auditoriums were built in order to modernize the city, and to facilitate the public in the best possible manner (Esherick 9). Furthermore, the spaces were cleaned for adjusting the public, and monuments were erected that indicated revolution and loyalty. For the entertainment of the urban population, cinemas, amusement places, restaurants, coffee shops, and the hotels were made (Esherick 10). Further, education was also given importance as a result of which Beijing become a center of the intellectual life as well as universities (Esherick 12).
Reference
Esherick, Joseph. Remaking the Chinese City Modernity and National Identity, 1900-1950. Honolulu: U of Hawaiì, 2000.
