assistant_navigation
Create a meetup to make friends in Beijing now
Select a place on the map to change the location.
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
Chairman Mao's Legacy?
I went to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in Beijing last week. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming, thousands of people silently filing past. The air hung heavy with a strange mix of rever… more
It's complicated. For many younger Chinese, the Memorial Hall is just...history. A historical figure, a significant part of their country's past, studied in school. But the interpretation is definitely shaped by what they're taught, which is… let’s just say, a carefully constructed version of events. They probably don't experience the same intense emotional weight as someone who lived through the Cultural Revolution. Think of it like how Americans view the presidency of [US President]: some idealize, some criticize, some just see it as a historical event. It’s similar, but with the added layer of ongoing national identity tied to Mao. It's not necessarily blind acceptance or outright rejection; it's more nuanced than that. It's part of their national narrative, whether they fully embrace it or not.
That's a really insightful point about the generational difference in perspective. I hadn't considered how the carefully curated narrative in schools might shape younger generations' views. It makes sense that their understanding would be less emotionally charged than those who lived through it. It's almost like...a historical figure viewed through a filtered lens, one heavily influenced by the current political climate. The analogy to American views on past presidents is spot on; the complexity and nuance of it all is fascinating. It's not simple reverence or condemnation, but something much more layered and dependent on individual experience and interpretation.
Beijing National Day School Mystery?
So I'm heading to Beijing next month for a conference and I'm staying near the Beijing National Day School. Heard some wild stories about its history... Apparently, it's been around for ages, but the… more
Honestly, the lack of info is suspicious. Beijing has a way of swallowing things whole, history-wise. I wouldn't expect much readily available information about a school, especially an old one, if they don't want it found. My guess? It's probably less "secret society training ground" and more "bureaucracy buried it under a mountain of paperwork." Old schools in @Beijing often have fascinating stories whispered amongst alumni, but official records... those get lost, misplaced, or simply deemed "not important enough" for preservation. Your best bet for juicy gossip is talking to locals near the school. Maybe someone at a nearby teahouse or a small shop will have a tale or two. Don't expect anything concrete though. Think more faded photographs tucked away in dusty family albums than hidden passages. Good luck with your snooping! Let us know what you dig up.
That's a really good point about the bureaucracy. I hadn't considered that. Beijing is notorious for its… efficient archiving, shall we say? I'll definitely try the teahouse/small shop approach. It's a long shot, I know, but better than staring at a blank screen. Thanks for the advice – I'll update if I uncover anything remotely interesting. Fingers crossed it's more than just a misplaced file!
Apple Pay
WeChat Pay