Beijing Only

For tourists in Beijing, the old saying “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero” may be true. But for its residents, this must sound cliché. The capital city has more fun to offer and you shouldn’t miss them.

Subway
Getting yourself onto the subway in the rush hour is not an easy battle to fight. No sooner the train stops than the passengers swarm to it. The guards are yelling “Xian xia hou shang” (Let the passengers get off first.) with loudspeakers. If you are unfortunately sandwiched between the doors, don’t worry, they will give you a hand and squeeze you in.

The situation inside is no better than outside. You are stuck, feeling like metamorphosing into a thin picture. The odor mixed with perfume and sweat is stimulating your nose; the music fanatic’s MP3 is rocking your ears; the high heels around are threatening your feet; the frizzy hair in front of you is sweeping your face; the little pair of glasses is capping his paper on your head… Next time when taking the subway, wish yourself to be a hedgehog.

Queuing Day
From kindergarten kids to adults, every Beijinger is learning to queue. Recently the municipal government has announced the 11th of each month to be Queuing Day, in the hope of perfecting the city’s image before its debut in 2008.

However, it takes three generations to make a gentleman. Can the uncivilized understand the social etiquette in a short span of 18 months? Anyway, let’s be optimistic. Even a kitten is learning to mop her face with the paw. Humans will progress, too.

Pajamas during the Day
With spring on her way, the pajama contingent is awakening from hibernation. Soon they will dot the communities, markets and parks with fancy flowers and teddy bears printed on their baggy cotton outfits. Get ready for the show!

Summer is more eye-opening. While men’s eyes are dazzled by swanky girls, women are not so lucky. It’s showtime for the infamous “bang ye”-- people who stroll around bare-armed. Don’t be embarrassed by their flabby stomach. They are so at ease, why should you?

It is right these little fragments that compose the miscellaneous city. Like it or not, that’s real Beijing.