China Matters'Feature: Lars Ulrik Thom: Understanding China on Its Own Terms

BEIJING,Dec. 19, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- In Yangmeizhu Alley that links to the lively and bustling Dashilan, a historical and cultural conservation area in ofBeijing, there is a quaint and charming shop called Beijing Postcards. This small store, founded byLars UlrikThom fromDenmark, is featured with cultural and creative goods withBeijingelements.

Unlike the cafes, restaurants, and cultural stores that placed closely side by side on the street, Beijing Postcards is a unique gallery dedicated to showcasing the rich history ofBeijing. It offers both Beijingers and tourists a glimpse into the memories and traditions of oldBeijing.

Thom's fascination with Chinese history began in 1996 when he arrived inBeijingby train fromMongolia. Immediately enchanted by the city's vitality and rich cultural heritage, he decided to makeBeijinghis home and delve into its history and culture. However,Beijing'srapid development over the past two decades has outpaced his expect. The city is changing every day with new constructions replacing its old look.

Determined to have a deeper understanding, Thom embarked on a mission to gather memories across the city, including scenic spots, museums, and archives. He walked into the hutongs, or alleys, to explore the traditional quadrangle courtyards remaining in the city and interview various people living there and collect an oral history of the city. The old photographs and stories of these residents enabled Thom to have a deep understanding of the significant change to the life of ordinary Beijingers. Today, visitors can see, touch and feel these historical moments ofBeijingthanks to the troves of memories collected by Thom in Beijing Postcards.

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SOURCEChina Matters