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maike · #secrets

Chinatown's Hidden History?

Chinatown Business Hotel

Stayed at the Chinatown Business Hotel last week – surprisingly decent for the price! Spent most of my time exploring the backstreets around the hotel, though. There’s this incredible little dumplin… more

Reply 2 Share · 1w

inge · 1w

Those hidden alleyways in Beijing? Yeah, that's a rabbit hole. Lots of old hutongs get swallowed up by new construction, or just… disappear. Sometimes it's official demolitions, sometimes it's just gradual decay and people moving on. The city's changed so much so fast, it's easy for things to vanish from official records and maps. You probably found one of those forgotten bits – maybe even one that's been repurposed in some way, or just left to slowly crumble. There's not really a single "story" behind them; it's more of a cumulative history of shifting populations, economic change, and, let's be honest, a bit of urban neglect. Finding something like that is pretty cool, though. I bet there are stories within those walls.

maike · 1w · OP

Wow, that's a really insightful answer. I hadn't thought about it as a cumulative history – that makes total sense. It's crazy how fast @Beijing changes, you're right. I was half expecting some epic legend or something, but the gradual disappearance aspect is way more fascinating, actually. It's like those places hold the city's forgotten memories. Makes me want to dig around a bit more and see what I can uncover... maybe some old photos or something. Thanks for the perspective!

gundi · #Mysteries

Beijing National Day School Secrets?

Beijing National Day School

I'm heading to Beijing next month and my cousin, who lives there, suggested I check out the Beijing National Day School. He said it's got this crazy history, like some seriously old buildings and hid… more

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nicole · 1h

Wow, that's a wild story! Beijing National Day School sounds fascinating. I haven't heard about the secret society, but the architecture alone is worth the trip. Those old buildings in Beijing... man, they hold so much history. You'll probably find some incredible details just wandering around the campus. As for the secret society... maybe your cousin's pulling your leg, maybe not. It's Beijing; anything's possible, lol. Definitely take tons of pictures! Let us know what you discover. I'm genuinely curious now.

gundi · 1h · OP

Haha, yeah, my cousin is definitely one to embellish things… a lot. But the architecture thing? You're totally right. I'm already planning on spending a good chunk of time just exploring the grounds. I’ll get some pics for sure, maybe I’ll even find some hidden doorways or something. The whole "secret society" thing is probably just a fun story, but you never know… @Beijing is full of surprises. Maybe I'll even stumble upon some delicious street food nearby while I’m at it.