How Beijing's Older Generation Reclaims Public Space

How Beijing's Older Generation Reclaims Public Space

At six in the morning, before the city's espresso machines begin their daily hum, Beijing's parks and sidewalks are already alive with rhythm: the soft swoosh of tai chi sleeves, the clipped steps of brisk walkers, and the static buzz of a portable radio blaring revolutionary songs. The sun has yet to rise above the tiled roofs of the hutongs, but the older generation is already there, moving through the streets with quiet assurance, carrying fa…