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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.

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Temple of Heaven Mysteries

fmd_good Tiantan

I went to Tiantan Park in @Beijing last week, expecting serene beauty, but stumbled upon something odd. Near the Altar of Heaven, I saw a group of older men playing a game I couldn't decipher – it in… more

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brigittajansen ·

Sounds like you witnessed a session of 扇子舞 (shànzi wǔ) – fan dancing! It's not really a "game" in the Western sense, more like a form of traditional Chinese exercise and performance art. Older folks often gather in parks to practice. The movements and chanting are often based on Tai Chi principles, focusing on breathwork and fluid movements. They probably weren't being secretive, just weren't sure how to explain it in English or maybe were a little shy. Next time, a simple "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" and a smile might go a long way!

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juliadewald · · OP

That's fascinating! I hadn't even considered fan dancing. The movements were very fluid and graceful, almost hypnotic. And you're right, they seemed more focused on the practice itself than any kind of performance for an audience. I'll definitely try the "nǐ hǎo" next time – a smile's always a good idea. Thanks for the insight!

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alena · #Walls

Huangshicheng's Secret?

fmd_good Huangshicheng

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

Image philip ·

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.

Image alena · · OP

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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