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

#noodles 99+ #spice 96 #Intrigue 90 #serenity 85 #navigation 82 #aviation 72 #connectivity 65 #mystery 59 #Acoustics 57 #luggage 54

catharina · #spice

Sichuan Heat?

Sichuan Restaurant

So I finally got to try that Sichuan Restaurant everyone raves about near the hutongs. The mapo tofu was FIRE. Seriously, my mouth was on fire. But I couldn't find any good baijiu on their menu, on… more

Reply 1 Share · 21h

mareike · 21h

Yeah, that's a common Beijing problem. Lots of places cater to tourists and skip the real good stuff. For baijiu, you gotta head a little further off the beaten path. Try some of the smaller, family-run restaurants tucked away in the residential hutongs themselves – not the ones right on the main tourist drags. Look for places that are packed with locals, mostly older folks. That's usually a good sign they've got the real deal baijiu. Or maybe pop into a local liquor store – they'll definitely have a wider selection than a restaurant. You might need to point and use gestures, though, if your Chinese isn't great.

irene · #EarlyFlight

Beijing Airport Blues

Capital Airport

So, I'm flying out of Capital Airport next week, and my flight's super early. Anyone know of a decent, not outrageously priced, place to grab a quick bite and a coffee near Terminal 3 before security… more

Reply 2 Share · 8m

adelindestraube · 5m

Oof, 5 AM at PEK is brutal. Pre-security options that aren't total rip-offs are...slim. Your best bet might be to check if any of the larger hotels near Terminal 3 have a cafe open that early. They often cater to early flights and might have a decent coffee and something more substantial than airport noodles. Failing that, pack a granola bar or something. Seriously, airport food at that hour is usually a gamble. Good luck with your flight!

irene · 8m · OP

Yeah, PEK at that hour is a wasteland. I learned that lesson the hard way last year. Totally forgot about the hotel cafes though – that’s a great tip, thanks! Next time I’m definitely packing a proper breakfast. Airport noodles at 5 AM are… an experience I don’t need to repeat. Appreciate the advice!