China Daily Review

History Lives in Trees, Stone and Water

     There are many ways to define a city. Such things as economic factors, geographical features, achievements in the arts and culture, and the like, can all be used in shaping a city's identity. Virginia Stibbs Anami's way of defining Beijing seems to be unique, however.

       Anami was born in the United States in 1944 and became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 1970. She has lived in the United States, Japan, Pakistan and Australia, as well as in China, with her diplomat husband, Koreshige Anami, the current Japanese Ambassador to China.

       Over the past 20 years, Anami has spent a great deal of time in Beijing. What has continuously interested her are the capital's ancient trees, stones and water. "Looking at Beijing within a framework of trees, stone and water is a way of appreciating the city's heritage, based on a special relationship between man and nature," she said.

       Her zeal for trees, stone and water in Beijing is so strong that she takes photos and writes short essays every time she encounters new examples. A book containing these photos and essays, which make up part of Anami's precious memories on the one hand, and also serve as perfect narrative vehicles conveying the history of Beijing on the other, has been published in English by China Intercontinental Press.

       "The essays and photographs are only a fraction of my adventures. I chose those that were the most exceptional or that pointed out the variety of experiences and places this capital has to offer," she said, adding that she hopes her work will encourage people to explore this dimension of the city's great heritage.