My 2017: The Memories Frozen in My Lens – A Year of Transformation and Travel

Meta Description: Relive the unforgettable journey of 2017 through stunning photography and personal stories. From Beijing snow to Qinghai Lake, explore a year of growth, travel, and cherished memories.

Introduction: A Year Captured Through the Lens

2017 was more than just a calendar year—it was a slow-flowing river of transformation, where every moment became a shimmering pebble of memory. From stepping out of campus into the professional world, traveling from northern China to the western frontiers, and growing from a green youth into a more mature self, this year left an indelible mark on my soul. Frozen by my camera, these moments became pearls of memory that will never fade. Let me take you on a journey through my lens, sharing the stories behind each photograph.

February: Snow at the Forbidden City – Red Walls and Candied Hawthorn

Beijing's First Snowfall of 2017

Beijing winters are famously long and dry, but late February 2017 brought a delightful surprise. It was the first day of the semester, and my dorm mates and I were huddled around a bubbling hotpot when snowflakes as big as goose feathers began to fall outside. The entire city transformed into an icy wonderland—this was Beijing's first snowfall of 2017, and winter's last.

The Unspoken Tradition: Snow at the Forbidden City

In Beijing, there's an unspoken tradition: wait for the snow to fall, then head to the Forbidden City. I immediately called a friend, and we agreed to go admire the snow together. Red walls against white snow—a beauty so breathtaking it made you hold your breath. We walked along the central axis, snow settling on glazed tiles, white marble railings, and the shoulders of every visitor. I bought a stick of 冰糖葫芦 (candied hawthorn on a skewer), its sugar glaze sparkling in the snowy light. One bite, and a burst of sweet and sour exploded on my tongue. In that moment, I felt like a child again, frolicking joyfully in the snow.

SEO Tip: For more on Beijing's seasonal attractions, check out our guide to [Link: Best Winter Activities in Beijing].

March: Pear Blossoms Bloom – Spring Breezes Drift for Miles

A Serendipitous Encounter in a Pear Orchard

In March, thousands of pear trees burst into bloom across Beijing. A spring breeze carried their fragrance for miles. I ventured alone to a pear orchard on the outskirts. The hills were covered in blossoms white as snow. I happened upon an elderly man with a camera. Seeing me standing beneath a pear tree, he offered, "Miss, let me take a photo for you." He captured a beautiful shot—me standing among the flowers, smiling brighter than the blossoms themselves. That was the first time I truly felt how warm a stranger's kindness could be. This moment taught me that travel isn't just about places—it's about the people you meet along the way.

April: Qingdao's Sea Breeze and Siberia's Seagulls

Escaping Senior Year Stress

Senior year seemed leisurely on the surface, but in reality, I was running nonstop: doing experiments, writing my thesis, sending out résumés, job hunting, interning… Every task felt like a small mountain pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe. It wasn't until the eve of the Qingming holiday, when my friend Qiao and I overheard some underclassmen discussing where to go, that we realized—oh, a holiday was coming. Qiao said, "I really want to see the sea." And just like that, we decided on Qingdao.

Jinan: A Quick Stop with Mixed Impressions

We made a quick stop in Jinan along the way. The legendary Daming Lake turned out to be just an ordinary big park—a bit of a letdown. Fortunately, April's blooming flowers added a splash of color to the scene.

Qingdao's Coastal Wonders

Our Qingdao journey began at Zhanqiao Pier. Seagulls from Siberia had flown thousands of miles to winter here. They circled over the sea, diving and soaring like a flock of white spirits. At the aquarium, jellyfish floated like glowing little angels in the blue water—dreamy and mysterious. In the square in front of the Catholic Church, besides white doves, there were countless couples taking wedding photos. At night, May Fourth Square was lit up, and the sea breeze brushed against our faces. Everything felt just right.

SEO Tip: Planning a coastal trip? Read our [Link: Ultimate Qingdao Travel Guide] for must-see spots.

May and June: A Graduation Trip of Youth

The Final Sprint: Thesis, Defense, and Farewells

In May, I was still buried in the lab and library, heads down doing experiments and writing code for my thesis. Submitting the final draft, checking for plagiarism, defending… The days flowed by like water. Graduation was right around the corner, and I knew I had to make lasting memories of these final moments. So the three of us—me, Qiao, and another close friend—set off on a graduation trip. Destination: Qinghai.

Qinghai: A Journey Through Nature's Masterpiece

In the early hours in Xining, the cold was bone-piercing. Wrapped in hotel bed sheets, we played charades outside the locked airport doors, passing the time until dawn. Looking back now, the scene was both ridiculous and hilarious. The wind at the mountain pass brushed through our hair and gently lifted our skirts. At Qinghai Lake, the sunrise crept up slowly, scattering sunlight across the water like fragments of gold. At Chaka Salt Lake, the "mirror of the sky," our reflections shimmered on the surface. The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye were a masterpiece of nature, and for the first time, I truly felt the beauty of Qinghai.

I saw sheep up close for the first time—they grazed leisurely on the hillsides. Walking through a temple, I brushed past monks, spun prayer wheels, and listened to the echoing chants. Under the bright sun, flocks of white lambs lowered their heads to nibble on fresh grass. I lay in a sea of flowers, watching the big, fluffy clouds drift across the sky. That June held some of my most beautiful memories.

The Bittersweet End of College

After the trip, we returned to school, put on our graduation gowns, and took our final photos of campus life. Four years of college—gone in a flash. Everyone was about to go their separate ways. I was the last to leave the dorm. Watching my roommates pack up and leave one by one, I felt an emptiness, an indescribable sadness. There was reluctance, nostalgia, and a deep yearning for the youth that had slipped away.

May we venture far and wide, yet return with the hearts of the young.

July: From Student to Working Adult – My First Try at Rubbing

A Milestone: Entering the Workforce

The first working day of July was a milestone for me. That day, I bid farewell to my student life and officially entered the workforce. My new colleagues were easy to get along with, and the office cafeteria was amazing—I gained nearly ten pounds in a month. The best part, though, was the location: just a five-minute walk from Jingshan Park. Every day after lunch, I'd take a stroll up Jingshan to digest, and on clear days, I could see the entire Forbidden City from the top.

Discovering the Art of Ink Rubbing

On a free weekend, my friend Meng and I saw that Chinese Heritage magazine was offering a "One Class" activity, so we signed up. The class was held at the Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum, where we learned a relatively niche craft: 传拓 (ink rubbing). The technique involves placing paper as thin as a cicada's wing over objects like oracle bones or bronze, then dabbing an ink-soaked pad to transfer the text or patterns onto the paper. The resulting "rubbing" can last for generations. The sense of accomplishment when I made my first rubbing was indescribable.

SEO Tip: Interested in traditional Chinese crafts? Explore our [Link: Guide to Ancient Chinese Art Techniques].

August: Weekend Exhibitions – Encountering the Spirit of Craftsmanship

Remarkable Craftsmen: A Journey into Handicraft

In August, Meng and I went to see some exhibitions. Our first stop was the "Remarkable Craftsmen" Asian Handicraft Exhibition at the Visual Classic Art Museum. At a museum, I once heard a guide say, "We are trying to reclaim lost culture." Walking into this handicraft exhibition, I felt like I was seeing the people behind those words—people so dedicated and immersed in their craft that ancient terms in books no longer felt foreign. Every piece on display embodied the craftsman's heart and soul. As the exhibition put it: "A person's greatness can come from doing monumental things that touch many lives, or from taking on the responsibility of supporting a family with all their might. The beauty of an object can be a refined art of leisure, or it can be a return to pure functionality. All people are equal; beauty has no hierarchy."

teamLab: Flower Forest and Future Playground

Our second stop was the teamLab "Flower Forest and Future Playground" light exhibition at 798 Art District. It's said to be one of the top ten must-see exhibitions in the world, but honestly, it was mostly a trendy photo spot. The venue had a main hall and three separate zones. As soon as I walked in, I lost all sense of direction. The main hall was a sea of flowers; Zone A had three glass installations that created an immersive, dreamlike experience.

FAQ: Your Questions About Travel and Photography in 2017

1. What camera did you use to capture these memories?

I used a standard DSLR with a versatile zoom lens. For landscapes, I relied on a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of places like Qinghai Lake and the Rainbow Mountains. For close-ups, like the candied hawthorn or the jellyfish at Qingdao's aquarium, a macro lens would have been ideal, but my zoom lens sufficed.

2. What is the best time to visit the Forbidden City for snow photography?

Late February is typically the best time, as it's often the last snowfall of winter. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the pristine snow on the red walls. Remember to check the weather forecast and buy tickets in advance, as the Forbidden City can sell out quickly during peak seasons.

3. How can I plan a budget-friendly graduation trip to Qinghai?

Start by booking flights or trains to Xining in advance, as prices spike during graduation season. Consider traveling in a group to split costs on accommodation and car rentals. Hostels and budget hotels are plentiful in Qinghai. Also, pack snacks and water for long drives between attractions like Chaka Salt Lake and Zhangye.

4. What is ink rubbing (传拓), and where can I learn it in Beijing?

Ink rubbing is a traditional Chinese technique where paper is placed over engraved surfaces (like oracle bones or bronze) and ink is applied to transfer the text or patterns. You can learn it at the Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum or through workshops offered by cultural heritage organizations. It's a rewarding craft that connects you to ancient Chinese history.

5. Is teamLab worth visiting in Beijing?

teamLab is a visually stunning experience, especially if you enjoy interactive art and photography. However, it can be crowded, so go on a weekday or early in the morning. It's more of a photo opportunity than a deep cultural experience, but it's worth it for the Instagram-worthy shots and the immersive "flower forest" installation.

Conclusion: A Year of Growth, Travel, and Memories

2017 was a year of profound change—from the snowy Forbidden City to the blooming pear orchards, from the seagulls of Qingdao to the mirror-like salt flats of Qinghai, and from the ink rubbing workshop to the dazzling lights of teamLab. Each photograph in my lens holds a story of growth, friendship, and discovery. As I look back, I realize that the best memories aren't just about the places you visit—they're about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the person you become along the way.

Your turn: What year changed your life? Share your own travel memories in the comments below, or tag us in your favorite photos on social media using #MemoriesInMyLens. Let's inspire each other to keep exploring, keep growing, and keep capturing the moments that matter.

Ready to plan your next adventure? [Link: Check out our top travel destinations for 2024] and start creating your own frozen-in-time memories today!