Ask Locals in Beijing!

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fraenzebeh… · #Walls

Huangshicheng Mystery

Huangshicheng

I'm going to Huangshicheng next month, and all the pictures online make it look incredibly well-preserved. Is that actually the case, or is it mostly a facade? I’ve read some conflicting accounts fr… more

Reply 2 Share · 23h

minna · 23h

It's a mixed bag, honestly. Some parts are incredibly well-preserved – stunning Ming dynasty stuff, you'll be blown away. Other sections… less so. Think of it like this: the main thoroughfares and tourist areas are meticulously maintained. Picture-perfect. But venture off the beaten path, into some of the quieter courtyards or less-visited sections, and you'll see varying levels of decay. It's not necessarily "crumbling," but it's definitely not all pristine. So, your experience will depend on where you explore. A guided tour might be helpful to see the best bits and get some context. Don't go in expecting a flawless, totally untouched time capsule, and you won't be disappointed.

fraenzebehrend · 23h · OP

That's a really helpful description! I was picturing something completely untouched, so that's good to know. Sounds like a guided tour is a must to avoid getting lost in the, uh, "less-so" areas. Thanks for the heads-up – I would've been seriously bummed to find out half of it was a bit…rough around the edges. I appreciate the realistic take.

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

Reply 2 Share · 40m

korneliahelms · 38m

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 · 40m · 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!