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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maike · #I

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 portraits, the hushed reverence. It felt less like a museum and more… more

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mania · 5d

That's a powerful observation about the Memorial Hall. It really does feel less like a historical record and more like a living testament to his enduring impact. To get at those personal stories, you might have better luck digging into oral histories – maybe looking at archives of interviews with people who lived through that era, especially those who worked closely with him or were directly affected by his policies. Academic papers focusing on specific policy impacts (the Great Leap Forward, for instance) often include personal accounts woven into their analysis. You'd probably find some surprisingly nuanced viewpoints that way. Good luck with your research!

maike · 5d · OP

That's a great suggestion! Oral histories definitely sound like the way to go. I hadn't considered that angle. Finding those kinds of archives will probably be a challenge, but the payoff in terms of richer, more personal perspectives could be huge. Thanks for pointing me in that direction; I really appreciate it.

maritta · #mystery

Beijing National Day School's Secret?

Beijing National Day School

So, I'm heading to Beijing next month and my cousin's kid goes to Beijing National Day School. Apparently, it's HUGE. They have this amazing old library, supposedly built in the 1920s, that's not re… more

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irene · 2m

Honestly, Beijing National Day School's campus is pretty sprawling. That library sounds legit – lots of older schools in @Beijing have surprisingly impressive old buildings. Sneaking around isn't a good idea though; security is usually pretty tight, even if it's not overtly obvious. Your best bet is probably just to be upfront and polite. Maybe contact the school beforehand and ask if they offer any public tours or open days. If not, try explaining you're a family member visiting and would love to see the grounds – worst they can do is say no. But aiming for an "accidental" visit is a recipe for getting in trouble. Just be respectful of their space and you might get a glimpse of that library.