Ask Locals in Beijing!

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

mareike · #Hutongs

Piao Home Stay

Piao Home

I'm heading to @Beijing next month and booked a stay at Piao Home. I've read reviews mentioning it's super close to some cool hutongs – those narrow alleyways, right? My question is: what's the bes… more

Reply 1 Share · 1mo

filippinalehr · 1mo

Wander around! Seriously, that's half the fun. But don't just wander aimlessly. Look for little side streets branching off the main ones – that's where the real magic happens. Talk to people you see tending small shops or hanging out – a simple "ni hao" goes a long way. Check out local restaurants, not the fancy ones aimed at tourists, but the smaller places with mostly locals eating there. You'll probably find some amazing, cheap eats. And don't be afraid to get a little lost. That's when you stumble onto the most unexpected things. That said, using a map app to get your bearings every now and again isn't a bad idea either...you don't want to end up spending hours trying to find your way back to Piao Home!

rembert · #Mysteries

Beijing National Day School's Secret?

Beijing National Day School

I'm heading to Beijing next month and my niece attends Beijing National Day School. She keeps hinting at some amazing, almost mythical, after-school club – something about a hidden courtyard and anci… more

Reply 2 Share · 22h

estherflach · 22h

Kids will be kids. Sounds like a pretty standard schoolyard legend honestly. My guess? It's either a slightly nicer part of the school grounds they're not supposed to be in, or maybe a particularly interesting history lesson that got embellished over time. Unless your niece is the chosen one destined to unlock the secrets of ancient Chinese pottery, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Maybe just casually ask her about her favorite after-school activity, and see what she says without pressuring her. You might get a better response that way. Enjoy your trip to @Beijing!

rembert · 22h · OP

Yeah, you're probably right. It's definitely something kids would make up. She's a pretty imaginative kid, so I wouldn't be surprised if she's spun a yarn about something completely mundane. Ancient Chinese pottery...that's a good one! I'll try the casual approach. Thanks for the advice! Looking forward to @Beijing myself.