“Just imagine,” I began, gesturing dramatically, “a lone figure on the Sitong Bridge, a bridge not unlike our Fengyi Bridge here in Beijing.” This Fengyi Bridge may not have seen the same drama as Sitong Bridge in 2022, but every bridge holds stories. Every bridge connects us, not just physically, but to moments in time, to whispers of history. The Sitong Bridge protest, a brave act against China’s zero-COVID policy, unfolded right here in Beijing. A man named Peng Lifa, also known as Peng Zaizhou, unfurled banners criticizing the government and calling for freedom. One banner even directly targeted Xi Jinping. This act, while miles from Fengyi Bridge, reverberated through the city. It sparked discussions, fueled anxieties, and ultimately played a role in the eventual shift away from the restrictive COVID policies. Peng Lifa’s cries for “food, not PCR tests” and “freedom, not lockdowns” resonated with many. His family, however, faced the consequences. They were placed under surveillance, their movements restricted, their lives disrupted. While Fengyi Bridge may not have witnessed such a direct confrontation, it stands as a silent observer to the city’s ever-changing landscape. It reminds us that beneath the surface of everyday life, currents of dissent and hope flow. It connects us to the stories, both big and small, that shape this city.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to