Beijing Day 2: A Nanjinger's Raw Take for You Wanderers

[Mr. Nathan Waelchi]

Smoking is just so inconsiderate, especially when people do it while walking or in parks.

[Miss Alison Collier]

The spitting problem in Beijing is really severe. As a local, I find it incredibly distressing – it's just so dirty and disgusting! It feels like an unsolvable problem. I wonder how other cities handle it.

[Kevin Harris]

It's the same in other cities.

[Justin Zieme]

Thank you for your suggestions regarding Beijing's image! The issue you've raised is something many of us find abhorrent. Hopefully, your call to attention will prompt the government to take concrete steps to address it.

[Brenda Shanahan]

Beijing is actually a great city. I hope visitors from other places can help uphold the honor of their capital by reining in some of their bad habits.

[Barry Kuphal]

I saw a 3000-year-old ancient tree in Shanxi. Wow, that was a real eye-opener!

[Antonio Sawayn]

What on earth?! You're kidding!

[Emma Kihn]

When I'm out, I generally avoid walking behind middle-aged men. I'm always worried they'll suddenly turn their head and spit, and with Beijing's strong winds, it could end up right in my face.

[Kendra Howe]

Seriously, you can't even guard against it. Someone will just walk past you, hawk up a 'hetui' (sound of spitting), and launch a big glob of phlegm. It ruins your whole day!

[Pat Pagac]

Don't worry about it. In Paris, locals pee everywhere too.

[Jose Beahan]

And that just shatters the beautiful image people have of Paris.

[Susie Kutch-Green]

These people are just letting loose while traveling. They probably follow the rules at home, but once they're in another city, it's like, 'Whatever, I'm just a tourist here for a few days, I don't have to behave.'

[Hugo Witting]

People like that just can't control themselves; they're the same everywhere. The only difference when they're away from home is that more people witness their behavior. I just don't get why some people seem to have phlegm year-round and have to spit it out. Where does it even come from? Can't it be treated?

[Rafael Rau]

If you like ancient trees, you should visit Jietai Temple. They have some that are a thousand years old.

[Robyn Monahan]

Missed my chance. I used to see posts about it all the time.

[Lorena Runolfsson]

Here's a pic.

[Marc Price]

The Summer Palace is huge. First-time visitors usually only scratch the surface.

[Andrea Hand]

That's so true. If I were a local, I'd definitely get an annual pass. I'd take my time exploring all the major attractions whenever I had free time – there are so many places worth savoring.