China
22:46, 07-Nov-2018
Beijing grandpa keeps calendar shop documenting 40 years of history
Updated
20:34, 22-Nov-2018
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One of Beijing's hidden gems is a store you'll find in the city's iconic hutong buildings. Opened for nearly 40 years, the owner Jin Anguang, 72, made and sold colorful Chinese calendars. They featured images of the country at different stages since its reform and opening-up in the late 1970s.
With a space of only about 20 square meters, Jin's shop is filled with calendars collected from all parts of China over the years. Though only fewer than six customers visited each day, he remain committed.
Jin's small store with wall calendars from past years
Jin's small store with wall calendars from past years
“For 40 years, rain or shine, whoever comes in, I have something for them,” Jin said.
“You can't get it anywhere else,” Jin told a customer who had traveled from afar just for a wall calendar.
Wall calendars were popular in China prior to the digital age of the 2000s and the smartphone era of today. Many calendars present fine and authentic artwork including calligraphy, photography and paintings. Others depict different eras in history, illustrated with informative stories.
Jin (right) shows off collections to friend Shang Qiming. He is holding a calendar of beauty, one of the best sales.
Jin (right) shows off collections to friend Shang Qiming. He is holding a calendar of beauty, one of the best sales.
“Jin's business was very successful in the 1980s. His old shop was a bigger place at Pinganli.
That store looked a lot like this one,” said Shang Qiming, Jin's photographer friend.
“Every new year, many people bought calendars from him,” Shang said.
Calendars with carved paintings are good gifts for the new year. Tradition has it that calendars bestow good luck on those receiving them.
But in recent years, people have stopped buying them and giving them as gifts as the government advocates for frugality. Meanwhile, digital calendars took off.
A wall calendar from the 1970s shows picture of a barefoot doctor with patients. Many calendars like this one showcase different eras in history. /CGTN Photo
A wall calendar from the 1970s shows picture of a barefoot doctor with patients. Many calendars like this one showcase different eras in history. /CGTN Photo
“Now you can find calendars in e-books, and of course on your smartphone,” said Jin, “But most older people still prefer to have a hard copy for its pictures. They associate the calendars with old times.”
Jin said he will continue doing his business for at least another 10 years.
Directed and Edited by Zhao Yunfei
Filmed by Yang Zhen, Feng Le and Kang Kai