Adios, Beijing! (Land of the Eternal Security Check)
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Oh my goodness, I had no idea that the security check at Tian'anmen Square was not exactly cosplayer-friendly in advance!
- Luckily, I dressed my character Lu Zong from "The Dating Game of Light and Night" in a super low-key style for that day.
- At the security checkpoint, when my ID card was swiped and the facial recognition system failed to recognize me!
- **Small科普: In many places in China, such as train stations and popular landmarks, you need to go through a facial recognition checkpoint by using your ID card via the machines.
- A security officer standing next to me then said, "This coser's facial recognition is not working."
- I freaked out right away, fearing that I would have to take off my wig right there! (超级尴尬的意思啦)
- However, the officer just took my ID card and let me pass through the security machine.
- After a while, he handed back my card and let me proceed.
- The line was so long and filled with people that it felt like a huge social snub!
Anyway, my Lu Chen has passed the national-level security check. He was a man among men, a top-class guy!
Important travel tips for foreign friends about Cosplaying @ Tian'anmen Square
- Cultural background:
- Tian'anmen Square symbolizes Beijing as well as China, situated in the heart of the city, it's magnificent.
- Therefore, security checks here are always conducted rigorously.
- Note:
- If you plan to cosplay at Tian'anmen Square, please note:
- The authorities probably do not allow or welcome this kind of costume.
- I managed to get in this time due to sheer luck and a rather inconspicuous outfit.
- Wearing wigs, heavy makeup, etc., may lead to issues during facial recognition via your ID card, as I did, which might attract the attention and questioning from security personnel.
- The authorities probably do not allow or welcome this kind of costume.
- If you plan to cosplay at Tian'anmen Square, please note:
- How to avoid trouble:
- Most reliable approach: best to avoid cosplaying at Tian'anmen Square.
- If you really want to (like a stubborn I did):
- You should choose an extremely low-key costume, preferably similar to ordinary tourists.
- Avoid flamboyant wigs, props, and heavy makeup.
- Prepare yourself mentally: even if you follow these tips, you may still be stopped and questioned by security personnel, or be asked to adjust your costume or, in extreme cases, denied entry.
#cos #The_Dating_Game_of_Light_and_Night #Lu_Chén #Beijing_Tian'anmen_Square #Travel
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Luckily, my facial recognition went through smoothly. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have known what to do. (They didn't seem to realize I'm a woman and even said, 'Hey young man, why is your face so white?')
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Haha, I usually wouldn't cosplay in a place like this; it's a bit too 'red' (conspicuous/sensitive). Not really appropriate, haha. Sometimes, being a bit timid has its perks!
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Yes, hahaha!
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Huh? Is it not allowed? I was planning to arrange a photoshoot at the Forbidden City...
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The Forbidden City should be fine (though you might have trouble with facial recognition there too). Don't enter through Tiananmen; go directly through Donghuamen (East Prosperity Gate). Otherwise, the security check at Tiananmen will stop you right there.
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It's because of the [political] meetings. Do more research next time.
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Seriously, don't you guys check the news before coming?
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When I visited before, I spent ages making plans, only to discover that all Beijing attractions require advance booking. I was devastated! Later, a friend suggested joining a tour group to bypass the reservation hassle, and they recommended a small one. Since it was the off-season, it cost me less than 2,000 RMB; peak season would likely be more expensive. Our tour had only a few people, so it was very relaxed, no rushing. If you opt for those super cheap tours that cost just a few hundred, be prepared for endless shopping stops. (Don't attack me, there are plenty of warnings about these low-budget tours on Xiaohongshu!) March, after the 'Two Sessions' [political meetings], should still be the off-season, so prices probably won't be too high. Sis, you might want to consider my plan.
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Recommendations, please! Thanks.
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My husband is determined to join the Party.
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Ten years ago, there weren't so many fences around Tiananmen Square. You could just walk there or get off the subway and go straight to the square. Now, you need to make reservations, go through security checks, and show your ID. I went again last year and was genuinely shocked. I hadn't been in ten years, and the changes are so massive. I don't even like going anymore.
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Don't even get me started! I'm a local, and I was stunned when they asked for my ID while I was taking a friend to Tiananmen. I didn't have it with me, so we ended up just trying our best to avoid the Tiananmen area after that.
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Then you clearly haven't been to Urumqi.
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Coming at any other time would be better than now.