Am I the only one who finds Beijing super low-energy?
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Well, before I knew it, six years have passed since I arrived in Beijing. Time flies! However, to be honest, I feel like my energy is drained, and I get tired more and more easily these days.
Here are a few things about Beijing that I've observed:
- First of all, Beijing is abound with opportunities and a grand stage, as the capital city. If you wish to experience the cutting-edge developments, this place will not disappoint you.
- However! Being an ultra-large city (mega city, with a massive population and extensive area), the fast-paced life can leave one breathless at times.
- After settling in for quite a while, once the initial excitement fades away, you may occasionally feel a sense of ‘float’, meaning an absence of a strong sense of belonging.
If you're coming to visit Beijing, especially if you are a first-time foreigner:
- Warning: Beijing is really, really big!
- Do not expect to tick off all the tourist spots within a few days. That would exhaust you to the point of questioning your life choices.
- My suggestion is: select one or two locations per day based on what interests you the most (for example, the Forbidden City, Great Wall, etc.), enjoy them leisurely, delve into the historical richness, don’t rush.
- Crowd Warning!
- Especially during holidays, hot spots like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven will see incredibly large crowds of people!
- If possible, try and avoid Chinese public holiday periods. Alternatively, start as early as possible to beat the tour buses.
- Be prepared for transportation headaches too:
- While the subway is convenient due to its extensive network, commuters during peak hours might not appreciate the amount of pushing.
- Roadblocks and congestion should also be expected when driving. Some little tips: download a user-friendly GPS app like AutoNavi or Baidu Maps (if available), then pre-plan your routes ahead of time.
As for livability...
- This is a huge question indeed! With everyone’s criteria being different.
- If you relish this vibrant urban lifestyle full of possibilities but fierce competition as well, Beijing undoubtedly possesses its appeal.
- However, if you prefer a slower-paced living environment that's more relaxed, it might be better to look towards other cities.
- For me personally, I now have less 'juice' in the tank, thinking of moving to somewhere where life might not be as stressful to recuperate.
#BeijingExperience #TravelTip #RelaxingInBeijing #TouristAdvice
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Perhaps you're not fond of water, or maybe it's even considered inauspicious for you according to some beliefs. If that's the case, you might find Beijing quite uncomfortable.
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Is that really a thing? No wonder I feel so comfortable in Beijing then!
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As a Beijing native, I always struggle to adjust whenever I travel elsewhere. But the moment I'm back home, my energy levels are instantly recharged.
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We locals are incredibly happy here.
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First, you might need to define what you mean by 'low energy' and why you feel tired. But let me share a phenomenon common among Beijing's hard-working crowd, something that resonates with me: delayed gratification. Most young 'Beijing drifters' have this mindset – they prioritize career success and financial stability before allowing themselves to enjoy life or indulge personal desires. That's just the Beijing environment. Compared to cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, or Guangzhou, people in Beijing seem to care less about food, fun, or fashion; it's mostly a two-point commute between home and work. Just look at the people on the subway versus the restaurants on the streets – the difference is obvious.
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To continue—yes, compared to other places, Beijing can feel somewhat lifeless and dull. Maybe that's the 'low energy' you're talking about? Without a strong culture of leisure and entertainment, life can lose some of its spark. As a multi-generational Beijinger, I find that, compared to southern cities, Beijing doesn't offer much of a 'lifestyle.' It's a true cultural hub, but a bit of a lifestyle desert. However, for an artist who is self-sufficient, enjoys their own company, and isn't materialistic, Beijing can be a pretty good place.
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In Feng Shui terms, Beijing is associated with Water and Earth elements, and their energies are quite strong here. People for whom these elements are inauspicious will definitely find it uncomfortable, regardless of their financial status or whether they're a local.
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Doesn't Beijing lack significant rivers and lakes? How can it be a 'Water' element city then? I actually feel much better in Tianjin.
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The negative energy is intense. The 'music' from the morning rush hour subway practically blasts through the roof!
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To sum it up: there are too many non-locals, and these 'corporate drones' often lack family connections and can't save much money, leading to a lot of resentment...
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I don't like it. There's a strong sense of social hierarchy, and it feels like little nobodies like me don't belong.
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That's true. Hospitals have 'cadre channels' (priority access for officials), while ordinary folks struggle so much to get medical care it's incredibly frustrating.
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I feel particularly comfortable and grounded in Beijing. In contrast, I don't feel as good in southern cities; psychologically, I feel adrift there, like a piece of duckweed.
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Beijingers tend to be down-to-earth, content, cheerful, and not focused on social comparison. Those who are less materialistic and more focused on inner cultivation will find it comfortable here.
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Beijing is too serious; it's not really suited for a relaxed lifestyle.
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Pfft, hahaha! Beijing, serious? That's the funniest thing I've heard all day!
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So, where's a place that favors Fire and Wood elements then?
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I'm in Australia, and I can confidently say Australia has strong Wood and Fire elements...
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I've been in Beijing for six years too. My advice: when you get to Beijing, go to the Forbidden City to 'announce' your arrival – let the ancestors know you're here (pay your respects). Then, when you have some free time, visit Tanzhe Temple. I'm serious about this.