In a constantly changing Beijing, what happens to the memories connected to a building when it falls into ruin? I visited several sites and interviewed many local residents, hoping to find answers in their stories.
Some places are preserved as a nation’s collective memory, such as the imperial gardens of Yuanmingyuan, which now serves as a bridge to the past. Others are reborn with new purpose. Shougang Park, once an iron and steel base , has been transformed into a vibrant Olympic venue and cultural hub, weaving its industrial history into the city’s present.
However, many more ruins fade away in solitude, like the Yanqing Temple, whose future is in limbo due to uncertain ownership rights , or the vast and abandoned Beijing Coking Plant. In these quiet corners, I listened to residents share stories of pride, loss, and daily life. I realized a ruin’s true meaning lies in the human stories connecting its past, present, and future. In this ever-changing society, I hope to preserve these precious memories, ensuring that in our dialogue with history, the people who lived it are never forgotten.
Directed by Yunshan Gong (China)