The Beijing she knew is gone; in its place, the Beijing she loves

A Times reporter who returned to her homeland after 20 years in America found her city, and nation, transformed.

I was born in a Beijing that has vanished. The way my mother tells it, I forced my way into the world a month early so my birthday would forever be associated with the biggest political festival of the year. ... It was the early autumn of 1968, and as revelers shouted "Long live Chairman Mao," my parents raced to a hospital during a massive parade commemorating the birth of communist China. As my mother screamed in pain, fireworks lighted the sky over ... Full Story »

Posted by Leo Romero
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Posted by: Posted by Leo Romero - Aug 3, 2008 - 8:22 AM PDT
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Edited by: Fabrice Florin - Aug 3, 2008 - 12:19 PM PDT

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Denise Clendening
4.1
by Denise Clendening - Oct. 1, 2008

Poignant autobiographical article on Ching-Ching Ni’s family that includes some of the hardships they have faced in a rapidly changing China. The story is hopeful and indicates that much of the change has been positive and her feeling of family is strong. She is an excellent writer and the article left me wanting to read more about her and her family.

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Fabrice Florin
4.0
by Fabrice Florin - Oct. 1, 2008

A fascinating essay by a "born-again Beijinger," who returned to her homeland in China after 20 years in America. Ching-Ching Ni's life story shows how her city and nation have transformed in just a few decades, from a human perspective. A reporter for the L.A. Times, she provides ample factual evidence to complement her personal observations. A moving and informative report on a culture that is changing rapidly, affecting the entire world in the process.

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Leo Romero
3.5
by Leo Romero - Oct. 1, 2008

"The LAT has this week's Sunday-paper must-read, an autobiographical essay by Times reporter Ching-Chang Ni" - David Sessions, Slate

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