Beijing’s Aqueous Heritage and the 2008 Olympics

Edited and translated by Geremie Barmé

Introduction:

The article posted here by Dai Qing appears in a December 2008 special issue on The Heritage of Beijing Water, guest edited for The China Heritage Quarterly by the Beijing-based writer, historical investigative journalist and water activist. The issue focuses on the aqueous heritage of China’s capital city. Reflecting on the well-springs of the Olympic year and the bountiful supply of water during 2008, Dai Qing discusses the diminishing heritage of a resource that sustained the ancient city in the past, shaped much of its life, and determines its future. The issue features a map of Beijing Waterways and an important study, ‘Beijing’s Water Crisis, 1949-2008’ with important contributions by Probe International, an independent Canada-based think-tank and environmental protection group.

The Dai Qing article is available through this link.

See also:

• Probe International, Beijing’s Water Crisis 1949 — 2008
• Dai Qing, Thirsty Dragon at the Olympics.

Dai Qing, born in August 1941, is a journalist and activist for China-related issues; most significantly against the Three Gorges Dam Project. Dai is also an author who has published many influential books, articles, and journals.

Posted at Japan Focus on December 21, 2008.

Recommended Citation: Dai Qing, “Beijing’s Aqueous Heritage and the 2008 Olympics”  The Asia-Pacific Journal, Vol. 51-3-08, December 21, 2008.