This book investigates the transformation of Beijing through the lens of everyday urban spaces and the passage of time. Ai Weiwei, a renowned contemporary artist, presents a comprehensive visual record of Beijing in October 2003. The work is constructed from 1720 color video stills, captured at five-minute intervals over 150 hours, documenting the city's interstitial spaces, congested streets, and unremarkable buildings. Shot from a moving vehicle traveling every road within the Fourth Ring Road, the project reflects on the ephemeral nature of urban environments and societal change.

The book is recognized as a significant artistic and documentary work, offering a unique perspective on Beijing during a period of rapid change. Its format as a large, gray brick-shaped hardcover, containing a vast collection of stills from a video project, emphasizes its conceptual and archival nature. The work is noted for its detailed, almost monotonous, yet profound depiction of urban life, prompting contemplation on time and transformation. The inclusion of maps further grounds the visual experience in the physical reality of the city.