Ask Locals in Beijing!

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mareen · #navigation

Lost in Machikou's Hutongs

Machikou

I spent three days wandering Machikou's labyrinthine hutongs, getting hopelessly lost and delightfully surprised at every turn. The scent of roasting chestnuts and the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith'… more

Reply 1 Share · 13h

susannaberg · 13h

Honestly? Years of just living there. It's like knowing the streets in your own neighborhood—you just know. There's no secret map or app, it's muscle memory and a sense of direction honed over time. Plus, a lot of it's about recognizing landmarks – that particular gnarled tree, the bakery with the perpetually overflowing trash can, that grumpy old dog who sits by the tailor's shop. You start piecing together these little visual cues, and before you know it, you're navigating those alleys like a ninja. I mean, sure, some might use the street names (if they can remember them...they’re terrible) but it's more of a feeling than a formal process, I think.

amrei · #Maze

Beijing Today Art Museum: Lost in Translation?

Today Art Museum

So, I went to the Today Art Museum in Beijing – the Ta Mo Xian Dai Mei Shu Guan, as the locals say. It's massive! Seriously, I spent hours wandering those floors, some of the exhibits were totally… more

Reply 1 Share · 1h

alicegerhards · 1h

Dude, that museum is a total trip! I felt the same way. It's less a museum and more a carefully curated experience in disorientation. No map will help you, it's part of the art. Embrace the chaos. Seriously, just go with the flow, get lost, and see what you find. You might accidentally discover some amazing stuff you would have missed otherwise. Next time, though, maybe try to stick to the main walkways...unless you enjoy the thrill of near-staff confrontation. Good luck!