Bad-mouthing Beijing? Get The Lowdown BEFORE You Sound Off!
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Hello, everyone! With the arrival of summer, Beijing has become a hot spot for tourism. Friends from all over the country come to experience the charm of the capital and enjoy the old Beijing flair. However, during their visit, some may encounter minor setbacks that confuse and frustrate them. Today, I’m excited to share with you some explanations behind these situations:
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Why do places require reservations everywhere? Aren’t tourist landmarks supposed to be easily accessible?
- Overly popular attractions such as the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) and the National Museum of China have way too many visitors each day.
- Imagine a large group entering at once; how would anyone appreciate the sights or attractions properly in such a crowded scenario? Reservation is mainly aimed at managing the number of people and ensuring a good tour experience for everyone. Without it, overcrowding might make it difficult to see anything other than heads.
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Appointment even required for Tiananmen Square? But it’s just a plaza!
- True, Tiananmen Square is a plaza, but not an ordinary one by any means. As one of the world’s focal points, it is surrounded by important national institutions and buildings, with security measures kept strict.
- Also, some untoward incidents occurred at the square in the past. Therefore, enhancing management is indeed necessary to ensure safety.
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Viewing the flag hoisting ceremony from afar? So hard to spot the moment. Why not install big screens and sound systems for clearer vision and sound transmission?
- This matter requires a thorough explanation. The flag raising ceremony is a very solemn national event, rather than a specific travel venue designed to attract visitors.
- Hence, there will be no equipment provided specifically to improve viewers’ experience. Please understand this aspect.
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How about Beijing taxi drivers? Sometimes they take a detour, sometimes they won’t stop at their destination!
- About taking a detour: Honesty speaking, many places face this issue, not just Beijing, which could be a small trick the driver pulls
- Travel tip: If unsure about this issue, try enabling the navigator app on your mobile phone, or directly book rides through ride-hailing apps, as the fare is transparent, and complaints are accepted if dissatisfied.
- Regarding failing to stop near scenic spots: I should explain that a lot of scenic spots do not allow parking, and their streets aren't so wide. If everyone parked in front of attractions, there would certainly be traffic jams!
- Experienced taxi drivers will take passengers slightly farther away, finding a safer parking spot while avoiding violations. Otherwise, if everyone parked at the entrance causing traffic jams or fines, neither parties could profit from it. Please show empathy.
- About taking a detour: Honesty speaking, many places face this issue, not just Beijing, which could be a small trick the driver pulls
Finally, I would also like to emphasize: travel may encounter unexpected situations; this is typical in every destination. Beijing is indeed an inclusive city, but satisfaction is not guaranteed 100% for each individual. We advise travelers to set reasonable expectations before embarking and give the city some leeway.
Most importantly, I hope everyone has a great time in Beijing! This is Xiao Bin, a native of Beijing, welcoming tourists from all over. If anyone plans to visit Beijing, please feel free to reach out for advice.
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I've seen people trying to cram both the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace into a single day. I'm like, 'Do you think these are little neighborhood parks you can breeze through in five minutes?!'
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This kind of thing is bound to happen when tourists don't really understand Beijing. Yours isn't even the most extreme I've heard. The wildest plan I saw was someone doing the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then both the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace in the afternoon.
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These past few days, I actually heard someone complaining that Beijingers have to eat dumplings on the 'toufu' (first day of the hottest period of summer). As if that's all we eat day in and day out! If you're uncultured, go read a book. 'Dumplings on toufu, noodles on erfu, and laobing with scrambled eggs on sanfu' is a Northern tradition, not just a Beijing custom. Some people will find anything to criticize, I swear.
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They don't eat dumplings because they can't make them – can't wrap them, can't make the dough, can't roll the skins, can't prepare the filling. They usually just buy frozen ones. And let me tell you, frozen dumplings taste so bad, not even a dog would touch them.
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Someone was complaining yesterday that the fruit they bought in Beijing wasn't good. Just a warning.
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Yeah, I think I saw that too. They said the oranges were too sour.
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Tiananmen Square requires a reservation now?? When did that change?
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I think it was around 2020 or 2021.
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Anyone who asks me for Beijing travel advice, I tell them: 'Hebei is so close and beautiful, just go there instead!'
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That's a pretty clever way to divert the crowds!
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They just don't get Beijing. They don't realize how massive it is, so they make plans just by looking at a map. They have no idea how tough the commute is, or that most restaurants aren't even run by actual Beijing locals. Then they come, complain, and ruin their own trip. Why even bother coming? Beijingers themselves escape to riverside villages to avoid the summer heat – it gets really hot here.
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It's not just Beijing; people complain about everywhere. Ultimately, it's because they don't do their homework. To put it bluntly, they act like entitled brats. I just got back from Xinjiang, did my research, had backup plans, and set realistic expectations, and I had a great time. But then you go online, and it's all people screaming 'warning, avoid this!' Like, are there really that many 'disasters' to avoid?
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Quick question: do tourist spots in Beijing really take up a lot of time? I've seen many itineraries suggesting Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, and Beihai Park all in one day. If I'm just planning a quick look at some of these, would it be unrealistic to add something like Nanluoguxiang? I'm staying near Wukesong, by the way.
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Yes, Beijing's attractions are huge, and it's peak season now, so they're incredibly crowded and time-consuming. Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, and Beihai Park are honestly more than enough for a day, even if you're just doing a quick walkthrough. I wouldn't recommend Nanluoguxiang; it's mostly a tourist trap.
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I saw someone complaining last time about the snack shops inside the Temple of Heaven being overpriced... And that some toilets in the Dongsi area don't have doors.
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Aren't things expensive at pretty much any tourist spot, though?
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As a Shanghai native married into a Beijing family, and also a bit of a history/culture buff, I've had so many people complaining to me about both Shanghai and Beijing lately. I can't even be bothered to explain anymore. If you really want my take, it's simple: your experience is directly proportional to your budget.
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Timing is also crucial. If you can go late October or early November, pick weekdays, and avoid rush hours, you're guaranteed pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a fantastic experience.
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That's a fair point. Beijing is primarily a political and cultural center, not a tourism hub. It's not going to change its core principles or identity just to cater to tourists.