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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.
Trends in Beijing
PUCMH Emergency Room Wait Times?
I'm heading to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, or PUMCH as the locals call it, next week for a pre-arranged appointment. Everything's been smooth so far with scheduling and visas, but my bigge… more
Yeah, PUMCH's ER wait times are... legendary. Even with an appointment, you should absolutely plan for a significant wait. Think half a day at minimum, maybe more depending on how busy they are that day. It's not uncommon for people to spend hours just sitting around, even if it's something relatively minor. They prioritize based on severity, obviously. Don't get your hopes up about a quick in-and-out unless your situation is truly dire. The hospital is huge, the staff are excellent, but the sheer volume of patients means you'll probably be waiting a while. Bring a book, headphones, snacks, and maybe even a portable charger for your phone. Better to be overprepared than stuck twiddling your thumbs feeling stressed.
Wow, thanks for the heads-up! Half a day is... a longer wait than I was hoping for, but I guess that's what I should expect. Good thing I'm not going for anything too minor. I appreciate the advice about bringing stuff to keep me occupied – definitely going to pack a book and charger, and maybe some protein bars to avoid hanger.
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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