Beijing: My Personal Lowdown
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Sure, no problem! Let me make this clear and concise for you so that foreign friends can also enjoy it thoroughly!
As a visitor to Beijing this time around, I'm not just another traveler with the sole purpose of taking photos. I stayed here for half a month as a "worker", and I managed to integrate myself in the local life a little bit.
Therefore, what I'm going to say now is all based on my personal experiences over these past half months. Just listen casually!
About Beijing being pressurized and somewhat anxious:
️ Warning about traveling time: Beijing is truly huge!- Even if you see two places not far apart on the map, get ready because taking transportation might still need at least one hour! For example, I once took a taxi from North Xin Qiao to Hong Lian Nan Road, which didn't seem too far on the map but took me quite a while.
- Small tip for foreign friends: Although the traffic system is well developed, the city is big, with a size equal to about 20 New Yorks! Make sure you allocate enough time to travel when planning your schedule, don't overfill your daily agendas and avoid exhausting yourself!
One night, around ten o'clock, I was on the subway, and facing three young women, their makeup-free faces, oil-soaked hair, all dressed in black jackets... when I listened to their conversation, they were complaining that it takes five hours per day to travel to and fro from work! One of them looked sleepy and nearly closed her eyes, nodding and saying "I know, I know".
- This actually happens a lot in Beijing. Many young people live far from the city center for job opportunities, making their commute extremely long.
Another time, I virtually immersed myself in the subway throughout the day, observing commuters: among the crowd, there are many people with gray hair despite having young-looking faces. On my way around, I met several people like this.
These small details made me feel like the Beijing life is fast-paced and pressurized.
However! People in Beijing are genuinely warm-hearted and courteous:
During these half-months, every Beijing local that I met, whether old folks or youngsters, were all incredibly friendly and kind.
Especially those Beijing "old bangers" aged around fifty or sixty (we call such guys, whose ages may tell little from their personalities, as "younger than their age", they are known for their easy-going personalities, generosity and courtesy). They are not only friendly and kind, but also very humorous. When talking, it feels like they are performing "crosstalk".
- A tip for foreign friends: “Crosstalk Xiangsheng” is a traditional Chinese comedic performance, a bit similar to western stand-up comedy or two-person comedy, featuring witty remarks. Beijingers love listening and talking crosstalking.
On multiple occasions during my commute, I saw two groups of people meet each other on the road, warmly embracing one another. It makes you feel intimate and relaxed.
Once, two senior men encountered on the street hugged each other; one used distinct Beijing accent and said, "Oh, what a surprise! You hugged me so unexpectedly. Luckily I only had some porridge this morning, otherwise they would’ve gushed out!", which is quite vivid!
- Beijing dialect possesses unique expressions and humor, showcasing the close relationship and carelessness between locals.
All in all:
As an international big city, the high cost of living and difficult buying house are inevitable pressures for cities like Beijing. These global major cities probably have similar issues.
But beyond these, I find the city quite welcoming, featuring a down-to-earth simplicity along with a sense of relaxation and looseness.
- Even if you see two places not far apart on the map, get ready because taking transportation might still need at least one hour! For example, I once took a taxi from North Xin Qiao to Hong Lian Nan Road, which didn't seem too far on the map but took me quite a while.