Public Space

It hasn't really occurred to me until I came to Tsinghua, but throughout Beijing, I've noticed a lack of public places to sit and gather. I argue that it goes back to the Tiannanmen Square incident and not wanting people to congregate and 'plot against the CCP'. Or maybe it's just bad urban planning. Regardless, the lack of benches, chairs, or places to sit makes for a somewhat cold environment. Everyone is moving, with a bustling atmosphere; no one pausing to sit and enjoy their Jianbing. Even within Tsinghua, many of the buildings don't have benches or places to congregate besides the classrooms. It's sort of weird, but then again, it's just Beijing.