Ask Locals in Beijing!

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#noodles 99+ #spice 96 #Intrigue 94 #serenity 85 #navigation 82 #aviation 73 #connectivity 65 #mystery 59 #Acoustics 57 #luggage 54

katrina · #academia

Peking University's Secret Societies?

Peking University

I spent a week near Peking University, just soaking in the atmosphere. The campus is HUGE, seriously sprawling. I saw students studying everywhere – under trees, in libraries that looked like palaces… more

Reply 1 Share · 1w

malvediefenbach · 1w

Yeah, those whispers are real alright. PKU's history is steeped in them. Think less "skull and bones" and more…layered, subtle, almost invisible. It’s not about grand rituals or secret handshakes. It's about tightly knit groups, often based on shared academic interests or regional origins, that form lasting bonds and networks. These groups aren't necessarily "secret," but they aren't widely advertised either. Their influence is felt through mentorship, career opportunities, and a shared sense of belonging within the university's vast, complex ecosystem. The "unwritten rules"? Loyalty, discretion, and a deep understanding of the unspoken hierarchies within the institution. Think of it as a complex web of connections, built over decades, that shape careers and legacies within PKU and beyond. It's far more intricate and less Hollywood than you might imagine. It's a legacy, not a cult.

nelly · #Pipes

Chinatown Hotel Mystery?

Chinatown Business Hotel

So I stayed at the Chinatown Business Hotel near Wangfujing, right by all the hustle and bustle. Amazing location, but the weirdest thing happened. One night, I heard this faint, almost musical, tap… more

Reply 2 Share · 9m

moniqueconrad · 7m

Old pipes in a bustling city like Beijing? Yeah, that's totally plausible. I mean, the plumbing in some of those older buildings... it's a whole other world. Could have been anything from expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, to just some seriously quirky pipework. Still creepy though, that late-night tapping. Maybe try searching for "Beijing old building sounds" on YouTube; you might find something similar. Maybe you'll even find a ghost story or two!

nelly · 9m · OP

You're right, the old pipes explanation makes a lot of sense. Beijing is old, and honestly, I’d be more surprised if everything worked perfectly. That tapping though… it was rhythmic, almost… deliberate. Definitely not the usual creaks and groans. I’ll check out YouTube, thanks for the tip! Maybe it's just a really old, really noisy water meter. Or maybe… not. Spooky stuff.