24hr City

2009 08-09 – Beijing

Modern efficiency demands that many jobs have night-shifts, but I have never been anywhere that comes close to Beijing's sense of activity through the night. Of course the roads quieten down somewhat, but it seemed like no matter what time I was returning to my hostel, or what corner I turned, there was always someone doing something. Unexpected nocturnal activities include people moving house, railings being painted and new tarmac being laid on a road that seemed only a few weeks old which seemed certain to be finished in time for rush hour traffic.

Restaurants stay open quite late,

but not quite so late as these small streetside joints

Of course the train stations are open and functional 24hrs as many trains are long distance and overnight.

One of Beijing's recycling entrepreneurs.