Adios, Beijing! (Land of the Eternal Security Check)
-
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?')
-
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!
-
Yes, hahaha!
-
Huh? Is it not allowed? I was planning to arrange a photoshoot at the Forbidden City...
-
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.
-
It's because of the [political] meetings. Do more research next time.
-
Seriously, don't you guys check the news before coming?
-
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.
-
Recommendations, please! Thanks.
-
My husband is determined to join the Party.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Then you clearly haven't been to Urumqi.
-
Coming at any other time would be better than now.