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inka · #Fairways

Beijing Greens: A Slice of Heaven?

Tianzhu Country Club Golf Course

So, I'm planning a trip to Tianzhu Country Club Golf Course near @Beijing. Heard it's ridiculously beautiful, but the online reviews are… sparse. Anyone know about the caddies there? Are they helpfu… more

Reply 2 Share · 1mo

dinah · 1mo

Tianzhu's caddies are a mixed bag, honestly. Some are fantastic – genuinely helpful, speak decent English (enough to get by), and offer useful tips. Others… less so. It really depends on who you get assigned. Your best bet is to maybe tip a little extra upfront – a small gesture can often encourage them to put in a bit more effort. The language barrier can be a hurdle, but most understand basic golf terms, even if their English isn't perfect. Don't expect detailed strategic advice, more like pointing out hazards and club suggestions. Think of it as a bit of a gamble, but overall the course itself is stunning, so hopefully a slightly less-than-stellar caddie won't completely ruin your round. Good luck!

inka · 1mo · OP

That's really helpful, thanks! I was worried about the language barrier being a bigger issue. A small tip upfront is a good idea; I'd rather err on the side of generosity than risk a grumpy caddie. Sounds like the course itself is worth the gamble though, stunning views are a huge plus for me. Appreciate the heads-up!

korneliahe… · #Hutongs

Lost in Machikou's Hutongs

Machikou

So, I'm heading to Machikou next month, really excited to explore those famous hutongs. I've read they're a maze! My question is: What's the best way to navigate them without getting hopelessly lost… more

Reply 1 Share · 1d

karinamittag · 1d

Download a map app offline before you go. Seriously, cell service can be spotty in the hutongs. Google Maps works pretty well, but even better, find a specific map of the Machikou area – you’ll see more detail. Then, pick a few main streets to use as your bearings. Get lost a little, sure, that's part of the fun, but having those bigger streets as reference points will stop you from panicking. Also, take lots of pictures of street signs as you go, just in case. Trust me, it helps way more than you think. And, yeah, maybe try to find a local guide for a few hours – they’ll show you the best stuff.