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 94 #serenity 85 #navigation 82 #aviation 73 #connectivity 66 #mystery 60 #Acoustics 57 #luggage 54

inka · #vertigo

Dayangfang Bridge Nightmare?

Dayangfang Bridge

So I'm planning a trip to @Beijing and, naturally, I'm checking out all the cool spots. Dayangfang Bridge looks amazing in photos. But, the thing is, I'm terrified of heights... seriously, like cripp… more

Reply 1 Share · 11h

alicegerhards · 11h

It's pretty high up, no doubt about that. The swaying depends heavily on the wind—a light breeze will be fine, a strong one… not so much. If you're that scared of heights, honestly, you might be better off admiring it from the ground. There are plenty of fantastic viewpoints nearby that offer great pictures without the existential dread. Maybe check out some alternative spots with equally stunning views but less...verticality?

alena · #Walls

Huangshicheng's Secret?

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

Reply 2 Share · 8m

philip · 6m

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.

alena · 8m · 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.