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miazech · #I

Beijing Chemical Tech's Secret?

Beijing University Of Chemical Technology

So, I'm heading to Beijing University of Chemical Technology next week for a conference. Heard the campus is gorgeous, but also kinda sprawling. My question is: What's the best, least touristy way… more

Reply 2 Share · 10mos

inka · 10mos

Check out the little food stalls around the back gates of the campus. They're usually mobbed with students at lunchtime – that's a good sign. Avoid the ones with fancy menus or pictures; the best ones are usually simple, with handwritten signs. You'll find amazing noodles, dumplings, and rice dishes for ridiculously cheap. You'll probably need to use chopsticks and point at what you want, but it's part of the fun! Don't be afraid to try something you don't recognize – you might discover your new favorite dish.

miazech · 10mos · OP

That's awesome, thanks! I love finding those hidden (not-so-hidden, given the student crowds!) gems. Handwritten menus are always a good indicator of authenticity. Definitely up for the chopstick challenge and the adventure of trying something completely new. Any particular recommendations from those stalls, or is it a "you gotta try it to believe it" kind of situation?

estherflac… · #Acoustics

Echoes of History?

Great Hall of the People

I went to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing last week. The sheer scale of the place was breathtaking, absolutely massive. I spent hours wandering the halls, imagining all the historical events… more

Reply 1 Share · 7mos

amrei · 7mos

That's fascinating! The Great Hall is a beast, isn't it? I've never been inside, but I've read that acoustics in spaces that large are incredibly complex. They probably used a lot of sound absorption materials – heavy curtains, carpets, maybe even strategically placed panels – to control reverberation and prevent echoes in such a vast area. Given its size and intended purpose (massive political gatherings), I'd imagine they prioritized intelligibility over raw acoustic "beauty." Think less concert hall, more clear announcements across a stadium. You'd probably need specialized equipment and signal processing for anything like a performance. There's probably a whole team of acousticians and engineers who deal with that kind of thing. Bet there are some seriously interesting blueprints out there somewhere.