https://au.trip.com/moments/detail/beijing-1-138810470
LARRY FRANCISUnited States

【Changping Secret Realm】Stay in a Republic of China-era old house, I had an unforgettable nostalgic dream in Beijing

If it weren't for a friend's strong recommendation, I might never have specially come to Changping to stay at a hotel. But my real experience last weekend completely changed my view—turns out Beijing still hides such a secret place. Driving from the city, passing through bustling streets, turning into a quiet hutong, Misu suddenly appeared before my eyes. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, time seemed to rewind thirty years. A faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, and the front desk girl, dressed in a modernized qipao, spoke softly, instantly transporting you to another time and space. What touched me most was the authenticity here—every piece of furniture has its own story. In the room I stayed in, the desk still bore pen scratches; the housekeeper said these were marks left by the original owner. The old-fashioned telephone by the bedside really connected to the front desk. I tried it, and a gentle voice answered through the receiver. What is it like to live among antique furniture? Honestly, at first I felt a bit restrained, but I was soon conquered by this genuine sense of history. Sitting on a 1930 velvet sofa reading a book, sunlight streaming through stained glass windows onto me, at that moment I truly forgot the outside world. 🍽️ About the food, I must be honest: The Cantonese dim sum at breakfast isn’t the most varied, but each item is made with great care. The shrimp dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings, the siu mai is fragrant, and the freshly made fried eggs are cooked just right. I especially recommend their century egg and lean pork congee, which is thick and smooth—the most authentic I’ve had in Beijing. Regarding service, a few details impressed me: upon check-in, noticing I had a camera, they proactively provided a map of the hotel’s best photo spots; at night when I returned to my room, a warm yellow reading lamp appeared by the bedside; when checking out, the front desk girl remembered my surname and sincerely asked about my stay experience. If you want to come here to experience it too, my advice is: Stay at least two nights—take photos and check in on the first day, and quietly savor the atmosphere on the second day Bring a plain-colored qipao or Chinese-style clothing for better photos Don’t miss the courtyard at dusk—the light and shadows under the sunset are stunning Chat with the front desk about the stories behind each piece of furniture; you’ll gain unexpected insights This is not a perfect hotel—some furniture inevitably shows signs of wear due to age. But it is precisely these “imperfections” that make it feel especially authentic. Staying here is not just staying at a hotel, it’s living a piece of history you can touch.
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Posted: Dec 2, 2025
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Memory Hotel

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Near Changping Metro Station|Changping Town/Shisanling Resort, Beijing
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