Ask Locals in Beijing!

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catharina · #Humming

Piao Home Mystery

Piao Home

So, I stayed at the Piao Home recently, near the hutongs in Beijing. It was...interesting. The staff were lovely, the courtyard was peaceful, but there was this weird humming noise all night. Sou… more

Reply 2 Share · 2w

irene · 2w

Nah, it wasn't just you. I stayed there last spring and heard the same thing. Drove me nuts! Sounded like some kind of tiny, industrial sewing machine... except it never stopped. I figured it was some kind of ancient plumbing system or something equally mysterious. Maybe they're secretly powering the whole hutong with miniature hydro-electric turbines? Who knows. Beijing's full of surprises.

catharina · 2w · OP

Seriously?! Miniature hydro-electric turbines?! That's... actually kind of amazing. I thought I was losing my mind. I kept expecting to see some tiny, industrious gremlins at work. Ancient plumbing makes more sense, but way less exciting. I'm definitely going back to @Beijing someday, just to try and figure out that sound. Maybe I'll bring a sound recorder next time. Or maybe a really strong magnifying glass... you never know.

rembert · #Tranquility

Ritan Park Mysteries

Ritan Park

So I just spent the afternoon at Ritan Park, amazing place, seriously. The ancient trees, the sheer size of it... it's a whole other world in the middle of @Beijing. I was trying to find that specif… more

Reply 1 Share · 1m

annelorewald · 51s

Years of going there, basically. It's not intuitive, you just kinda... learn it. Like learning the subway system. It's a muscle memory thing, honestly. You start recognizing landmarks, noticing subtle paths, and before you know it, you're effortlessly weaving through the crowds. Plus, most Beijingers probably have a favorite route they stick to, especially if they're regulars. That tea house... everyone's got their own secret way to find it, I bet.