Foreigners marvel at Beijing's transformation   2002-10-08 10:05:57 While Chinese holiday－makers relish the beauty of the capital city during their week－long vacation, overseas tourists visiting Beijing during China's National Day holiday marvel at the city's fast transformation. Views of modern day Beijing and China have left a deep impression on their minds. French photographer Herve Bouilllat paid a visit to Beijing recently, bringing along with him an old photo album filled with pictures taken during the early 20th century. The unique oriental culture and beauty revealed in the fascinating pictures inspired him to take a look for himself. To his great delight, he found the traces of ancient Beijing in a rapidly changing modern city. "I have seen an ancient yet young city of Beijing. Tall buildings are seen everywhere, people are leading a modern way of life. At the same time, ancient architecture is still well preserved, decorating the modern city like twinkling stars, waiting to be found by explorers," said a French photographer. The French photographer's views are also shared by other foreigners that have witnessed the huge changes taking place. A couple of visitors from the US came back this year to the Beijing Hotel, the same one they stayed in 16 years ago. They said the transformation was stunning. The changes that have taken place in the Beijing Hotel epitomize the transformation of the whole city, which is striding forward to show the world a brand new picture of its modern face.