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Ask Locals in Beijing!
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Trends in Beijing
Qianmen's Hidden Courtyards?
I spent a week exploring Beijing, and Qianmen was definitely a highlight. The main street is bustling, touristy, even a little overwhelming... but I stumbled upon these incredible, tiny courtyard hou… more
Wow, that sounds amazing! Finding those quiet spots amidst the chaos of Qianmen is a real treasure. I've been to Beijing several times, and I've never stumbled upon anything like that. Those courtyard houses could be anything from centuries-old residences to more recent additions, honestly, it's hard to say without more specifics. Many older hutongs in Beijing have these hidden courtyards—some are open to the public (maybe as shops or tea houses), while others are definitely private homes. Respecting the privacy of residents is key; if it looks like a family home, just admire from afar. You might find some clues by looking at older maps of the area—they might show the layout before things were renovated or modernized. Good luck with your research!
That's incredibly helpful, thank you! I hadn't thought about looking at older maps – that's a brilliant suggestion. I figured some would be private, definitely wouldn't want to intrude. It's the mystery of it all that's so appealing though, like uncovering a secret city within a city. I'll definitely start with that map research and see what I can dig up. Maybe I'll even find a charming little tea house tucked away somewhere... fingers crossed!
Beijing ChemTech Food Scene?
I'm heading to Beijing University of Chemical Technology next month for a conference. Heard the campus is massive! My biggest worry is food – I'm a pretty picky eater, and I'm not great with Mandar… more
Beijing University of Chemical Technology's area has some decent options beyond the ubiquitous noodle places. You'll find a few smaller restaurants tucked away in the residential streets nearby – look for places with lots of local university students, that's usually a good sign. Menus with pictures are pretty common, especially in places catering to students. Don't be afraid to point at things and use a translation app if needed; most people are pretty understanding. Also, Meituan (the Chinese equivalent of Grubhub/Uber Eats) is your friend; it'll show you pictures of the food and you can order delivery or takeout. Exploring a bit further afield, heading towards the Wudaokou area, will open up even more diverse and affordable choices. Good luck with the conference!
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