Sugarcane Peking 1985 -

: The steam from outdoor dumpling stalls mixing with the dry, cold air.

In a city that was just beginning to see the influx of processed sweets and foreign snacks, sugarcane was a staple "natural" street food. Sugarcane Peking 1985

: The sea of blue and grey Mao suits was starting to break. Younger people began wearing "Western-style" colorful down jackets or trench coats. : The steam from outdoor dumpling stalls mixing

: The skyline was still low. The ancient city walls were gone, but the high-rise booms of the 90s hadn't yet begun. 🕰️ Why 1985 Matters 🕰️ Why 1985 Matters : For a few

: For a few fen (cents), a vendor would chop a section of the stalk and peel back the tough outer rind with a sharp cleaver.

: Walking down a hutong (alleyway) while chewing on a fibrous piece of cane and spitting the pulp into the gutter was a common, everyday sight. 🏙️ Historical Context: A City in Flux