If you've resided in Beijing long enough to refer to it as home, you might see yourself as a genuine Beijinger. You find it hard to resist correcting the mispronunciations of "beejings" and "beechings." You take pride in your connection to Beijing... or do you? The Beijinger title isn't simply given; it's earned!
Visiting the Forbidden City or the Great Wall is certainly on every Beijing itinerary, but a moment will come when you move beyond being a tourist and start living like a real Beijinger. Here, we've put together a list of classic and somewhat unconventional yet truly Beijing experiences that indicate you've undergone your Beijing initiation.
1. Cried Alone on the Subway
Can you genuinely call yourself a true Beijinger if you haven’t completely lost your composure during a subway ride? It may have been due to a tough day at work, a breakup, or simply feeling homesick. Allowing your tears to flow while navigating the fast, rumbling metro is a key part of the Beijing initiation. After all, where else would you find such drama?
2. The Jianbing Journals
You can't fully connect with Beijing if you haven't tasted a jianbing. It’s China's version of a supercharged Crunchwrap Supreme. A thin pancake with a cracked egg spread over it is topped with a crispy cracker and an assortment of perfectly chopped pickled vegetables, all wrapped up like a gift with a drizzle of shiny brown sauce, and chili if you're feeling adventurous. Made right in front of you, the jianbing is expertly flipped and toasted before being handed to you in a paper pocket — the quintessential Beijing breakfast treat.
3. Step up to the Spit
Your Beijing experience wouldn’t be complete without stepping on a warm, freshly spat wad of spit on the sidewalk. This is the city’s way of marking you as one of its own. Although it may gross you out and leave you uneasy the next time you trail behind a hooded figure with a cigarette, stepping in someone’s fresh spit is an essential part of your Beijing journey. If it happens, consider it a rite of passage and welcome the city’s embrace!
4. The Subway Rush Hour
You aren't a true Beijinger until you’ve endured cramming yourself into a crowded subway car and pushing forward to avoid getting stuck in the doors. Rush hour in Beijing is a test of your resilience. If you can survive a Beijing rush hour without losing your mind, nothing else can faze you. Congratulations, you’ve reached a new level!
5. Cut Those Carbs
If you attend a Chinese buffet and find yourself no longer craving noodles and rice... congratulations! You’ve been reborn as a true Beijinger! It's never been about rice and an excess of affordable carbs. Every true Beijinger knows that enjoying a Chinese buffet means focusing on the meat!
6. The Curse of Bikelessness
You may think you own Beijing, but the city really holds power over you if you’ve encountered this scenario: you’re running late and hurry out to find a shared bike, only to discover there are none available. You search desperately only to accept your fate and either walk or order a Didi. Don't worry; this is just Beijing’s way of indicating you are ready. The curse of having no bike is more a sign of readiness than a misfortune. Your muscles will thank you for the exercise anyway!
7. The Youtiao, the Soy Milk and the Scallion Pancake
Your Beijing initiation calls for a feast, and at some point, you need to stop by one of those breakfast spots wedged between a package delivery center and an unassuming grocery store. The perfect order includes a youtiao, a cup of warm soy milk to drink, and a scallion pancake for good measure. You’re truly a Beijinger if you’ve experienced this!
8. A Subway Delay: The Beijing Unicorn
What’s the Beijing equivalent of a unicorn? A delay on the Beijing Subway. It’s a rare occurrence, much like stumbling upon a heart-shaped tomato, but when it happens and you're present to witness it, you've experienced a piece of history. Beijing has revealed its vulnerabilities and shown you its hidden details.
9. A Quack Quack Here and a Quack Quack There
Delving into the city’s diverse food scene is a true delight, and Peking Duck stands out as a unique experience. With its glossy, crackling skin and tender meat that melts in your mouth, wrapped in a pancake with sauce and assorted spring onions and cucumber, it’s a flavor adventure. What makes you a genuine Beijinger is the willingness to spend a little more RMB to have the leftover duck carcass made into a delicious soup.
10. May the Fourth (Floor) Be With You
Being a real Beijinger comes with significant responsibilities. To prove your worth, you must complete the final
Here’s a list of somewhat unconventional yet quintessentially Beijing experiences that will indicate whether you have undergone your Beijing initiation.
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