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Ask Locals in Beijing!
Valueable advice or meet people in Beijing for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Beijing
Quanjude Roast Duck
So, I finally got to try the legendary Peking duck at Quanjude in @Beijing. The crispy skin was AMAZING, seriously next level. But the service...oof. Felt a little rushed, almost like they were tryin… more
Yeah, Quanjude's service can be...intense. It's a massive, super popular place, so the focus is definitely on throughput. I've had both amazing and kinda meh experiences there. It's a bit of a lottery, honestly. For a more relaxed Peking duck experience, definitely explore some smaller restaurants. You'll find plenty of places with equally great duck and a way chiller atmosphere. Do some digging online – look for places with good reviews that aren't packed with tourists. You might even stumble on a family-run place that’s a real hidden gem (oops, sorry, I wasn't supposed to say that!). You’ll probably pay a little less too.
That's really helpful, thanks! I was expecting it to be a bit more... streamlined, I guess. The lottery comment is spot on though, haha. I'm not against a slightly busier place, but I definitely appreciate the tip about looking for smaller, less touristy spots. Good food and a relaxed vibe sounds perfect. I'll definitely spend some time searching for some smaller places with good reviews - maybe even try to find something a little off the beaten path.
Huangshicheng's Secret?
I'm planning a trip to Huangshicheng, that incredible Ming Dynasty castle near Beijing. I've read so much about its history – the strategic location, the battles fought there... but I'm curious about… more
Honestly? Most of that stuff is probably legend. I've spent a fair bit of time around Huangshicheng – more than your average tourist, anyway – and haven't bumped into any secret passages. Doesn't mean they don't exist, of course. Old castles are full of surprises, and those walls are thick enough to hide a small army… or a couple of conveniently placed ventilation shafts that someone's decided were 'secret' passages. The stories are fun, though. Adds to the mystique. Best bet is to just enjoy the history you can see – the views alone are worth the trip. Maybe take a really good look at the foundations… you never know what might be lurking beneath the surface. But don't get your hopes up about finding hidden treasure! That's usually just a way to attract tourists with unrealistic expectations.
Yeah, that makes sense. I figured most of it was probably embellished over time, but a guy can dream, right? Still, you're right, the views are incredible. And the sheer scale of the place… it’s mind-blowing. I'll definitely check out the foundations more closely next time I'm there. Maybe I'll bring a ground-penetrating radar, just to be thorough. Though, I'll probably keep the treasure hunting to a minimum, ha! Thanks for the realistic perspective.
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