Create meetup in Beijingchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Central Park
want to meet at fmd_good Wildlife Park
explore Beijing Guides
bar_chart Trends in Beijing
Peking University's Hidden History?
honestly the old library building on the east side is where it's at, not the new one everyone goes to. there's a stairwell that leads to a locked rooftop but if you go around the back there's a fire escape that's been broken for years, i've climbed it a few times. from up there you can see the whole campus and there's graffiti from like 1989 that's still readable, names and dates and stuff. just be careful, the railing's kinda loose near the top.
also the little tea house near the south gate, the one that looks abandoned with the peeling paint. it's not actually abandoned, an old philosophy professor lives there still and sometimes leaves the door unlocked. i went in once and the walls are covered in old photos and notes from students dating back to the 50s, it's like a time capsule. he's usually out walking his dog in the afternoon so that's the best time to sneak a peek.
oh the lake area is where the real stories are tbh. weiming hu at night especially, there's a small stone boat pavilion thing near the east end where students used to meet secretly during the cultural revolution to trade banned books and poetry. i've sat there a few times and it's got this weird quiet vibe, totally different from the daytime tourist flow. also check out the old biology building on the north side, the basement door is usually unlocked and there's some faded graffiti from the 80s democracy wall era that most people walk right past
You should check out the area around the old Red House, the one near the south gate. There's a small, overgrown courtyard behind it that used to be a gathering spot for students during the May Fourth Movement, and locals say you can still feel the energy if you sit there quietly for a bit.
best photo spots in beijing?
olympic forest park is slept on fr. the linden trees along the main axis go gold in late october and the bird's nest reflection in the lake at sunrise is nuts, barely anyone there on weekdays. also check out 798 art district on a weekday morning, the old factory pipes and graffiti make great contrast shots. tbh bring a wider lens than u think you need, everything in beijing is bigger than it looks in photos
everyone goes for the big landmarks but honestly the best shots i got were from the overpasses on the 3rd ring road at dusk, just traffic light trails with CCTV tower lit up in the background. also guomao at blue hour from the silk street footbridge, the CBD towers all glassy & orange, tripod helps cuz u need a slow shutter. one thing nobody mentions, air quality totally changes your photos so check the AQI app the night before, a clear day after rain is worth waiting for
For sunrise the Temple of Heaven east gate area is underrated, locals doing tai chi around 5:30am with the morning fog, way better than fighting crowds at Tiananmen. For sunset honestly just walk along the canal near Shichahai, the reflections off the water with the Drum Tower behind are hard to beat. Bring a tripod if you can, the good light only lasts like 20 mins this time of year.
load 1 more reply