[Photo/IC]

The hutong is the most emblematic architectural style of the capital's traditional residences, as it embodies a rich historical, as well as a cultural legacy that is so essential in defining Beijing's identity. However, with the expansion of the city, many of the hutongs Lu photographed have either disappeared or become completely different after continuous makeovers.

As he has grown older, it's become physically difficult for him to carry around heavy cameras, so Lu decided to paint these hutongs on canvas. To fully depict the subtle sense of history of the hutongs, which have weathered hundreds of years of existence, he chose to use watercolors. This technique can better convey both the rich colors and the profound cultural connotation of his subject.