Some areas get recommended because they are exciting. Sanlitun gets recommended because it is easy. That matters more than people admit, especially on a weekday in Beijing.
I nearly skipped Nanshan because I thought it would be too busy, but it turned out to be a decent first step into the city. Still learning, but today felt easier.
Spent the whole Saturday just walking around the French Concession with no destination. Found a vintage camera shop, a courtyard cafe hidden behind a wall, and a cat cafe where the cats were clearly o ...
I had a similar experience with Zhangjiajie a while back. ended up being one of my favorite memories here. also, i know exactly how this feels and you are not alone.