A boy enjoying the ride.

“There are 9 million bikes in Beijing…”

And a lot of taxi cabs, too.

College students dancing at a public square, some were bare foot.

Girls sailing at Beihai park.

While others were talking about love.

The tallest building…

before this.

Roads seemed wider.

Bridges seemed simpler.

The old (or should I say older?) President Bush came to visit in 1988.

The 1990 Asian Games was successfully hosted.

And the Olympics was just a hope.

The following pictures were taken in Beijing during the time between 1978 to early 80s.

One of the first advertisement billboards on the street. The girl image used to be a huge impact on most people’s aesthetic conception. Taken at Shatan Street in 1979.

There was no soda, coke, mineral water, or anything like that at the time. Made popular in 1981, big bowl tea was the only kind of beverage that can be purchased on the street. Taken in front of the Forbidden City in 1981.

Sunglasses like this were really popular. The brand label must be intact, otherwise it wouldn’t be cool. The nation’s brand awareness was awakened. Taken in Beihai Park in 1980.

Young people dancing after the dancing ban was removed. Note the people watching and taking pictures. Taken at the Summer Palace in 1979.

The most fashionable people in 1980s. Army cap and coat, long scarf, and huge sunglasses were key fashion elements. Taken at Beihai Park in 1980.

In 1980s, domestic travellers were more interested in foreigners with brown hair and blue eyes. Taken at the Forbidden City in 1980.

Newly wedded couples were allowed to buy 1 piece of furniture with a coupon. Though most had to wait in the queue for a whole night, they were sure happier than us ’cause we are now always overwhelmed by the number of choices. Taken in 1980.

People were allowed to sit in the Hongqi (meaning “red flag”) car to take pictures. It costed 20 cents. Taken at the Forbidden City in 1980.

First art exhibition on the street (the famous “Star Exhibition“). Artists and organizers of the exhibition are now key figures in China’s art scene. Some of their works are being sold for tens of millions. Taken outside of China Fine Art Hall in 1979.

Have you found a part of yourself in the pictures?

Stay tuned for pictures from 1988 to the 90s.