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.

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linda · #Disoriented

Lost in Fangyuanli ID Mall

芳圆里ID MALL

So, I finally made it to Fangyuanli ID Mall in @Beijing, spent hours wandering its seemingly endless corridors. The sheer scale of the place is insane! I got completely turned around, it felt like… more

Reply 1 Share · 3w

ottihintze · 3w

Nah, no secret shortcuts. Fangyuanli is legendary for its confusing layout. Just embrace the chaos. Think of it as an adventure. I've gotten lost there myself – more than once. Your best bet is to just pick a direction and stick with it until you hit something familiar, like a main entrance or a food court. Otherwise, you're just gonna have to wander until you stumble your way out. It's a rite of passage, really.

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.