Coming at any other time would be better than now.

The subways are packed, driving means gridlock, and cycling is chaotic. And people still keep flocking here despite all this?

That tour group.

I feel like if you're visiting Beijing as a tourist, it's mainly to see ancient architecture, museums, Tiananmen Square, and such, since it's the political capital. If you're coming for the food, well, you might be a bit disappointed as options can seem limited and we might not be the best hosts in that regard. (Though personally, I think Peking duck and copper pot hot pot are incredibly delicious, and Zha Jiang Mian is my absolute favorite!)

Was it an independent trip?

You probably went on a weekend, right? It's usually not this crowded on weekdays. For the Forbidden City, if you go in through a side entrance, you can get in within half an hour.

I wandered around there, and not a single shop made me want to buy anything.

Tsinghua hasn't allowed general public access since 2018. So how could anyone have ridden a bike right up to the dorms?

True, but the Beijing subway is incredibly convenient. I've been relying on it for getting around these past few days.

Xi'an these days...

Complaining and moping all the way back to Beijing, but the moment I get there, I have to pull myself together and get on with it.

I especially love the cultural heritage of Dujiangyan!

Smart move.

There's a 5D movie inside that supposedly recreates the history of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). However, its content didn't even dare to directly depict the events of the Eight-Nation Alliance. As someone patriotic, I was left speechless and very disappointed. Definitely a thumbs down!

Beijing travel @Yangyang's Travel Diary

You're at your most beautiful, like a figure stepping right out of a painting!

Is the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) really just a five-minute walk from Tsinghua University?

Independent travel was absolutely awesome for me!