Standing still

Source:Global Times Published: 2012-8-20 19:05:04

Beijing's railway stations, such as Beijing West Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station, have undergone huge face-lifts in recent years, now being clean, modern buildings that function as key gateways into and out of the city. 

While these stations are shining examples of how far the city has progressed, people should not forget the old railway stations. Some have already disappeared, but those that remain are interesting examples of what life used to be like.

Qinghuayuan Railway Station is one of them.

Built in 1910 and located near the east gate of the original Tsinghua University campus, Qinghuayuan Station is now next to a residential compound at the southwest intersection of Chengfu Lu and Zhongguancun Donglu,  both in Haidian district. 

The station was built by prominent Chinese railway designer Zhan Tianyou (1861-1919) and was where the Beijing-Zhangjiakou (Hebei Province) railway line started its journey.

It has been many years since the station saw any trains pass through. The building is a derelict structure which collects dust and is in desperate need of renovation, not least to stop its leaking roof.

The only signs of life in the station come from the clusters of squatters and street sellers, who use it as their home.

1. Qinghuayuan Railway Station, in Haidian district, is the only old building in the vicinity, reminding locals what an old station used to look like.
1. Qinghuayuan Railway Station, in Haidian district, is the only old building in the vicinity, reminding locals what an old station used to look like.
2. A couple, who declined to be named, in the room that used to be where the ticket office was. They have been living at Qinghuayuan for 30 years.
2. A couple, who declined to be named, in the room that used to be where the ticket office was. They have been living at Qinghuayuan for 30 years.
3. Zhan Tianyou, the designer of the station, also wrote the characters on the sign that reads
3. Zhan Tianyou, the designer of the station, also wrote the characters on the sign that reads "Qinghuayuan Railway Station".
4. The station has not been used for years and now functions as a hub for non-Beijingers, who come to the city to make a living and need somewhere cheap to stay.
4. The station has not been used for years and now functions as a hub for non-Beijingers, who come to the city to make a living and need somewhere cheap to stay.
5. A dog that belongs to one of the station's current residents.  
Photos: Guo Yingguang/GT
5. A dog that belongs to one of the station's current residents. Photos: Guo Yingguang/GT



















 

 



Posted in: Metro Beijing

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