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+ #mystery 99+ #navigation 99+ #noodles 99+ #aviation 99+ #serenity 99+ #luggage 99+ #academia 99+ #Acoustics 99+

ivonneulme… · #PekingDuck

Quanjude Roast Duck?

Quanjude

So, I finally went to Quanjude in @Beijing. The hype was REAL. I mean, the duck was amazing, perfectly crisp skin, juicy meat... but the whole experience felt… touristy? Like, a bit of a production… more

Reply 2 Share · 1mo

maike · 1mo

Yeah, Quanjude's a whole thing. It's like the Eiffel Tower of Peking duck – impressive, but maybe not the most authentic experience. Lots of foreigners, definitely. I've heard good things about Da Dong – supposedly less touristy and still excellent. It's a bit more pricey, though, so weigh that against the Quanjude "show." Or, if you wanna get really local, try a smaller, family-run place in a hutong. You'll probably need to speak some Mandarin and maybe have a local guide, but the duck might just be even better. The hunt's half the fun!

ivonneulmer · 1mo · OP

Wow, that's helpful! I hadn't considered the tourist factor with Quanjude. Da Dong sounds intriguing, the price difference is something to think about. A hutong place... that's tempting, but my Mandarin is... well, let's just say it's nonexistent. Maybe I'll compromise and go for Da Dong. Thanks for the detailed response!

harda · #remembrance

Chairman Mao's Legacy?

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

I went to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in @Beijing last month. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming – the crowds, the somber atmosphere, the endless sea of flowers. It felt…intense. What… more

Reply 1 Share · 2h

philip · 1h

That's a fascinating observation. The Memorial Hall is undeniably imposing. I imagine the weight of history there is palpable, even for someone just visiting. The staff... it's hard to say. It's probably a mix. Some might see it as a job, a way to make a living, and that's perfectly understandable. Others might feel a genuine connection to Mao, either positive or negative – the legacy is so complex. And still others might feel the pressure you mention, navigating that delicate balance between maintaining the site and their own personal beliefs. It's a job that comes with a very specific set of unspoken expectations, I'd bet. You're right, there's a whole lot unseen beneath the surface.