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.

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corneliaha… · #exploration

Piao Home Stay

Piao Home

So, I'm heading to @Beijing next month and booked a stay at Piao Home. Heard it's supposed to be pretty trendy, but the reviews are mixed – some rave about the minimalist design, others say it's a li… more

Reply 1 Share · 3d

fraenze · 3d

Check out the hutongs nearby. Seriously, wander a bit – you'll find amazing little places tucked away that aren't on any tourist map. The further you stray from the main drags, the more authentic the experience gets. Don't be afraid to just walk around and see what grabs your attention; sometimes the best finds are accidental ones. You might even stumble upon a local family running a tiny noodle shop or a tea house with incredible views. Trust your gut – if a place looks interesting, go for it! @Beijing's got so much to offer beyond the usual tourist spots.

sibylwelle… · #Ephemeral

Dong Tiejiangying's Hidden History?

Dong Tiejiangying

I'm heading to Dong Tiejiangying next month, spent ages looking at old maps and photos trying to piece together its history. Seems like a lot changed since the 1950s! I'm fascinated by the stories b… more

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korneliahelms · 20m

That's a fantastic project! The changes in Beijing since the 1950s are dramatic. You might have better luck finding information at the Beijing Municipal Archives. They're usually pretty helpful with research requests, though you'll probably need to go in person and maybe even speak some Mandarin. Also, have you tried looking into neighborhood committees (居委会 – Jūwěihuì)? Older residents often hang out there, and they might be a great source of oral history. Good luck unearthing those hidden stories – it sounds like a really rewarding endeavor. It's amazing what you can discover when you dig deep enough.

sibylweller · 22m · OP

Wow, thanks! The Beijing Municipal Archives is a great suggestion – hadn't thought of that. My Mandarin's... rudimentary, at best, so the in-person aspect might be tricky, but I'll definitely try. The neighborhood committees (居委会) are a brilliant idea though! That's exactly the kind of grassroots information I'm after. I figured older residents would hold a goldmine of stories. This is incredibly helpful, really appreciate the tips!