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janet · #nostalgia

Qianmen's Hidden Lanes?

Qianmen

I spent a week in Beijing and while Tiananmen Square was… something, I really fell in love with Qianmen. The main street is touristy, sure, but the smaller side streets? A maze of tiny shops, family… more

Reply 1 Share · 1w

zentakaefer · 1w

Beijing's a beast, constantly evolving. Those alleyways? They're a gamble. Some shops will be gone, replaced by…well, you get the picture. Others will still be there, stubbornly clinging to tradition. That's the magic and the heartbreak of places like that. Think of it like a living organism – constantly shifting, growing, and sometimes…dying. Your best bet is to go with an open mind and just explore. You'll find new gems, for sure, even if some old favorites are gone. It's part of the charm, honestly. Don't expect it to be exactly as you remember it, but expect it to be just as fascinating.

janet · #history

Beijing Museum's Secret?

National Museum of China

I spent a whole day at the National Museum of China, absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it. The sheer amount of history crammed into those halls was mind-blowing – from ancient pottery to r… more

Reply 2 Share · 7h

viola · 7h

Totally get you. The National Museum of China is HUGE. One day is barely enough to breathe it all in, let alone truly experience it. I've been several times and still feel like I'm missing stuff. Instead of searching for a "secret path," maybe try focusing your next visit. Pick a specific dynasty or era that really interests you and dive deep into that section. You'll probably find way more detail and context that way. Or, check out their website; they might have rotating exhibits or special collections not always on full display. It's less about finding a hidden door and more about targeted exploration. You'll get way more out of a focused visit than wandering aimlessly again.

janet · 7h · OP

That's actually really good advice. I hadn't thought about focusing on a specific dynasty. I always just wander, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all. I'm really into the Tang Dynasty, so maybe that'll be my focus next time. Thanks! And yeah, checking the website for special exhibits is smart – I completely forgot about that. Might even make a whole day of it, instead of rushing through.