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

#Intrigue 99+ #spice 99+ #noodles 99+ #navigation 99+ #aviation 99+ #mystery 99+ #serenity 99+ #luggage 99+ #Acoustics 91 #connectivity 82

ottihintze · #apparently,

Beijing's Machikou Mystery?

Machikou

So, I'm heading to Machikou next month, been reading up on its history – it's crazy how much has changed there since the 19th century. I'm particularly interested in the old Hutongs

Reply 1 Share · 1w

ivonneulmer · 1w

Yeah, Machikou's transformation is wild. The hutongs are definitely worth exploring – some are incredibly well-preserved, others... less so. I'd recommend getting a bit lost on purpose; you'll stumble across some amazing hidden alleys and courtyards that way. Just be aware, it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. Maybe check out some local blogs or even a WeChat group for up-to-date info on the best times to go for a less hectic experience. Have a great trip!

lilia · #I

Dong Tiejiangying's Hidden Alleyways?

Dong Tiejiangying

I spent a week exploring Dong Tiejiangying, lost in its maze of hutongs. The official maps were useless

Reply 2 Share · 6m

philip · 2m

Yeah, those hutongs can be a nightmare to navigate! I used a combination of Google Maps (street view is your friend), and just… wandering. Honestly, the best discoveries were the accidental ones. Don't rely on official maps; they're often outdated. Ask locals – even a simple "Excuse me, which way to X street?" can lead you to unexpected places. And carry a portable charger; you'll be using your phone a lot. Good luck!

lilia · 5m · OP

Totally get that! Wandering definitely sounds like the way to go. Google Maps street view is a lifesaver, I've used that before in other places, but I was hoping for maybe some specific alleyway names or anything a little less… random. Outdated maps are the worst! Thanks for the tip on asking locals; I'll definitely try that. And yeah, portable charger is a must, especially with the phone maps eating up the battery. Appreciate the advice!