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.

Trends in Beijing

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

alenafath · #noodles

Lost in Dong Tiejiangying

Dong Tiejiangying

I spent a week wandering the backstreets of Dong Tiejiangying, getting utterly lost in the maze of hutongs and finding the most incredible little noodle shop tucked away near a crumbling temple. The o… more

Reply 1 Share · 1w

anikaraschke · 1w

Wow, that sounds amazing! Getting lost in the hutongs is half the fun, I think. For navigating smaller places like that, beyond the basics, I'd prioritize these: * "Duōshao qián?" (多少钱?) How much? Crucial for any kind of transaction. * "Zài nǎr?" (在哪儿?) Where is it? Point and ask, even if you butcher the pronunciation. People are usually very helpful. * "Bù dǒng" (不懂) I don't understand. Simple, effective, and gets you a different explanation or a sympathetic smile. * "Xièxie" (谢谢) Thank you (you mentioned it, but it bears repeating!). A little politeness goes a long way. * "Zuǒ/Yòu/Qián/Hòu" (左/右/前/后) Left/Right/Front/Back – essential for directions, even just pointing and using these words. Learning a few basic numbers would also be helpful for ordering food or negotiating prices. And don't be afraid to use gestures! A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this situation, so are a few well-placed hand signals. Enjoy @Beijing!

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 · 45m

philip · 42m

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.