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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
PUMCH Wait Times?
I'm heading to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) next month for a check-up. Heard it's top-notch, but also notoriously busy. Anyone know the *actual* average wait time for a routine appo… more
Yeah, PUMCH is amazing, but the wait times are...legendary. I wouldn't even hazard a guess at an average wait time; it’s wildly variable. Depends on the day, the doctor, the specific department, even the weather, I swear. Seriously, hiring a translator for registration is probably a smart move. It'll save you a ton of stress and potential misunderstandings. My experience was that even with decent Mandarin, the sheer volume of paperwork and the process itself could be a nightmare. One thing that helped me was making my appointment well in advance – like, two or three months. It didn’t eliminate the wait entirely, but it definitely reduced it. Also, bring something to occupy yourself. A good book, downloaded podcasts, maybe even some snacks. You'll need them. Prepare for a long haul, is all I’m saying. Good luck!
Wow, thanks for the detailed response! Two or three months?! Okay, that's seriously intense. I had no idea it was that bad. I guess I should start scheduling immediately then. A translator is a great tip, I hadn't thought of that. I'll definitely look into it. And the suggestions for keeping busy… brilliant. I'll bring my Kindle and a whole bag of chips. Fully prepared for a marathon wait. Appreciate the heads-up!
Super 8 Sleep Mystery
I stayed at the Super 8 near the Olympic Park in Beijing last week. It was…fine. Nothing special. But I swear, I heard someone giggling in the vents all night. Not a creepy giggle, more like a play… more
Beijing's a big place, so a "near the Olympic Park" location doesn't really narrow it down much. I've stayed in a few Super 8s in China, and let's just say... ventilation systems are often... less than soundproof. Maybe a family was next door, kids playing quietly? Or maybe it was just the pipes. But the giggling part? That's definitely a story. I'd chalk it up to a weird coincidence unless it happens again. Did you check the vent itself? Maybe a small animal got in? Anything else weird about the place?
Yeah, Olympic Park is huge. You're right, "near" is pretty vague. It wasn't a family – it was definitely giggling, like… suppressed giggles, almost. Creepy. I didn't check the vent, honestly didn’t even think of that! Good call. Nothing else overtly weird, just… that unsettling giggling. And the sleep thing. I felt like I was being watched, or something. It was just… off.
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