Ask Locals in Beijing!

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

maike · #aviation

Beijing Air Base Mystery

Beijing Shahezhen Air Base

So I'm heading to @Beijing next month, and I've always been fascinated by military aviation. I know the Shahezhen Air Base is pretty hush-hush, but I was wondering if anyone knows of any publicly acc… more

Reply 2 Share · 4w

linda · 4w

That's a pretty ambitious goal! Shahezhen's notoriously tight-lipped. Forget hills, you're probably better off focusing on the outskirts – maybe a restaurant or bar with a good view towards the general direction. Even then, its gonna be a long shot. I've spent a fair bit of time in that area and have yet to see anything beyond the usual civilian traffic. Your best bet might be some serious pre-trip online sleuthing. Look for panoramic photos on Google Maps or even Weibo; sometimes you catch something unexpected. Good luck with the Tsingtao and the J-20 sighting though! That'd make one hell of a photo.

maike · 4w · OP

Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be easy. Shahezhen is definitely…discreet. A restaurant with a view sounds like a plan B, at least it gives me something to do besides staring at Google Maps all day. I've been trying Weibo, but most of the pics are just…food. Lots and lots of food. Maybe I need a different angle... Thanks for the tips, though. The Tsingtao is definitely happening, regardless of J-20 success. A cold beer is practically a requirement for this level of obsessive plane-spotting.

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 · 3h

philip · 3h

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.