Beijing: Friends Say It's Surprisingly 'Shabby'. Seriously?!
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Alright, let's chat about this! A friend who came back from Beijing complained that it was "a little run-down." I completely understand where they're coming from, but there are actually several layers of meaning to it.
Why do people get the feeling that Beijing is "a little run-down"?To start with, we need to understand that Beijing didn't spring up overnight! It has been the capital for hundreds of years (think of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, ancient relics from times past.) So, you can't expect it to be like Shenzhen or Shanghai, with eyes full of sparkling new glass skyscrapers.
- Understand Hutong Culture: There are many "hutongs" (alleys) in Beijing, narrow old lanes lined with courtyard houses (ancient traditional residence). These places stand out with their "old-fashioned" appeal, full of living atmosphere and historical sense. For people who love exploring local culture, these neighborhoods are real treasures! However, if you just look at the surface, they might seem "too old" or "lacking luster."
- New Old Coexists as the Norm: Beijing is a very large city, so some areas may indeed be seen as somewhat outdated or fall short in terms of urban planning. But just around the corner, you could find yourself among skyscrapers in CBD (Central Business District), such as in Guomao, a totally different scenery. This contrast between new and old, is actually rather interesting.
️ What friends might be trying to express by "complaining":- Perhaps the idea they had in mind for a capital city was that it was all glitz and glamour, and discovered to their surprise, "How come some places look as if they were in my county town?"
- "Old-fashioned" is not only about infrastructure. Sometimes "broken" also refers to experience, such as too many people, traffic congestion, or lagging services and facilities.
️ Tips for those traveling to Beijing (Pay attention! Pay attention!):- Level up your mentality, embrace diversity
- You shouldn't look at Beijing with the idea of a "perfect metropolis." It has gorgeous royal gardens like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace (which are definitely not in disrepair) and real-life neighborhoods where the people live.
- This is because only by appreciating this metropolis in all its layers rather than being solely fixated on those lackluster aspects. That way you can experience its rich layers.
- Prepare your itinerary selectively
- If you have a low tolerance for this "old-fashioned" look, prepare beforehand, finding more well-repaired or new places with strikingly modern buildings.
- This is because such a course of action minimizes the adverse effect caused by places unsuited to personal taste, ensuring smooth travel experience.
- “Old and run-down” may be a cultural uniqueness.
- You must understand, some run-down may also be a mark of history, a part of culture. For example, the weathered walls in old courtyards might hide stories of generations past.
- Small tip: Try feeling the meaning within these imperfections; you could find unexpected gains!
As for why choose big city?...
Beijing, as China's capital, boasts unique political and cultural status. If you wish to taste the thickest flavor of "China" and experience the collision of history and modernity, it is definitely one of your primary options. Here, there's top-notch museums, art galleries, performances and exhibitions happening, plus you have delicious cuisine from all over the country at your access. This is a concentration of resources and cultural diversity hard to match elsewhere.
So, people complain about Beijing being "run-down," perhaps reflecting at that moment their real feeling. But don't judge all by what some say. The charm of Beijing, you need to experience firsthand!
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Yeah, they're all old houses.
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It's true, they're quite run-down. The south side of the city often gets neglected.
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If such places exist, they must be tucked away in some obscure corner.
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Cities with a deep history are often like that.
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We locals are pretty unpretentious too. Summer means tank tops and shorts, winter is all about black puffer jackets, and spring/autumn brings out the windbreakers. We don't bother with makeup either – mostly because we're lazy.
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It's definitely run-down. Seriously, don't bother coming.
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After being here for a year, I feel like I've time-traveled 20 years into the past.
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Many residential areas within Beijing's Third Ring Road consist of old buildings, often over 30 years old. The hutongs, being even older, can certainly give off a run-down vibe.
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Excuse me, have all of Beijing's hutongs been gentrified and commercialized into trendy spots? Are they now just filled with tea houses, bars, and coffee shops, or do ordinary residents still live there?
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It really is 'run-down'.
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Cities that developed earlier naturally look older. Beijing's ongoing development is now entering its next phase of renewal, with a focus on becoming a 'garden city.' Other cities, which once emulated Beijing by building skyscrapers and consequently lost their local character, might now look to Beijing again in a few years to see if they can learn how to reclaim their unique charm.
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I believe the unique character of the hutongs should be preserved. However, they do need upgrading and beautification, much like how Shanghai has extensively renovated its Shikumen areas.