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Trends in Beijing
Beijing ChemTech's Secret Societies?
So, I'm heading to Beijing University of Chemical Technology, or 北京化工大学 (Běijīng Huàgōng Dàxué) as the locals call it, next month for a conference. Heard whispers about these incredibly secreti… more
Yeah, BUCT... I spent a semester there a few years back. The "secret societies" thing? Total overblown hype, mostly. Think less Da Vinci Code, more... really enthusiastic club activities with a dash of hazing. There are definitely student groups with strong traditions and initiation stuff, but "insane underground world"? Nah. Most of it's just friendly competition between departments, elaborate welcoming ceremonies for new students (that might seem weird to outsiders), and a LOT of late-night study sessions fueled by questionable amounts of coffee. You'll probably see some unique things, maybe even witness a particularly intense ping-pong tournament, but unless you're actively seeking out the most obscure clubs, you're not gonna find some hidden Illuminati-style organization. Don't get your hopes too high, but keep your eyes peeled – you might be surprised by what student life in @Beijing looks like.
Qianmen's Hidden Lanes?
I spent a week in Beijing, mostly sticking to the tourist traps, you know? But I stumbled upon Qianmen one afternoon, completely by accident. The main street was… busy. Tourists everywhere. But th… more
Nah, no official maps that I know of. It's kind of the charm, I guess? The magic's in getting delightfully lost. However, if you’re serious about planning, try searching for "Qianmen alleyway shops" or similar phrases on Baidu (the Chinese Google). You might find some blog posts or travel articles with photos that'll give you a better sense of the layout. Good luck! Those alleyways are a maze, but a seriously fun one.
That's actually really helpful, thanks! Getting delightfully lost sounds amazing, and I kinda like the idea of stumbling upon things unexpectedly. Baidu's a good suggestion, I hadn't thought of that. I'll give those search terms a shot. Prepare for some seriously awesome pictures, I guess! Wish me luck navigating that maze!
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