Cross-culture discovery

       Anami focused on East Asian history and geography in both her undergraduate and graduate studies in university. A devoted historian, she developed a passion for studying and exploring the city's historical sites during her three extended periods of residence in Beijing since 1983.

       In the process of exploring Beijing's ancient ruins, she found that things such as an old well or spring, a couple of gnarled pines, or maybe a stele or an abandoned stone cave are also markers of the past.

       One of the greatest rewards in her search for old sites, she says in the book, was getting to know so many imposing ancient trees. Frequently such trees were the only vestige of history left at an abandoned temple or grave site, but they helped her to identify the old sites. Many trees, Anami has found, have unique appellations, which has stirred her interest in learning about their background.

       She also keeps an eye out for inscribed stone slabs that provide information about the construction of old temples, imperial patronage and grave commemorations. With the rapid development of the city, these steles have often been moved or damaged, but many remain at their original locations.

       Gradually, Anami developed a sensitive feeling for these trees, stones and water, which few others pay much attention to. With her shrewd historian's eyes, she is able to see far beyond them. "These three facets of nature hold much of Beijing's past. They helped me define and respond to the sites I visited. Often they maintain the atmosphere of these places, long after the rituals there have ceased," she said.

       Even casually flipping through this fine book, one cannot help but admire Anami's acute sense of detail. "Just follow along the deep cart ruts cut in bridges or the stone paths trodden by former pilgrims and you will feel the moss of history," she writes in the book.