The thing that has struck me on this trip compared to my trip here two years ago is that there are a lot more young people out, looking good and having fun. The difference is striking. Youth are filling the streets, restaurants, stores. The cities are happening places, even on Sunday nights. Music throbs from every corner. People are drumming, dancing, bands play in the streets. Kids are spending what I can only imagine is boatloads of money. Except they don’t need boats, because all of that consumption is being directed towards products made right here in China: clothes, shoes, accessories, cars, jewelery, etc. Can you spell “future economic superpower?” I can: “C-H-I-N-A.”
Anyway, I’m not going to write a lot tonight. I’ll just let the photos from today’s walks around Xi’an do the talking.
Well, it’s official. China is officially a capitalist state; they have a Walmart!
Yep, it’s the most capitalist place I’ve ever been.
the tilt-shift lens shots are freaking awesome!
what do you think caused the change btw? maybe just your location?
The upturn in the economy began here around 16-17 years ago, and I think most of these girls are about the same age. When I was here last, those girls were probably too young to be out and about. I saw a few young couples out, but the guy was always clinging to his girlfriend like she was the last woman on earth. The atmosphere is much more relaxed now that the imbalance is being corrected.
Love all the photos, but the night shots are my faves.