Editor's Note: Asia Obscura's Andy Deemer has been kind enough to let us rummage through his archives for some of his best posts from his Beijing days. We're sharing them here to give you some inspiration to get out and explore our city.

I’m not a stamp geek.  My dad is, my nephew is… but to be perfectly honest, I had some low expectations for the Beijing Stamp Museum.  Even with free admission, four floors, over one million stamps, and “for rent” magnifying glasses, Michelle and I were the only visitors.

But I have to admit, this museum is insane.  Michelle literally had to drag me out of there.  I wished I had a tripod.  I wished I had a videocamera.  I could have spent all day in there.  Yes, there’s a lot of trash, but the history of China through stamps?  Unmissable!

So, to spread the philatelic love, here are my 13 favorites in order…. 

Each month, we ask noteworthy Beijingers – leaving or not – to imagine their final meal before departing from the city for good.

Karl Long has been a Beijing bar scene stalwart for years and only recently left for the greener pastures of Anhui. “Why leave?” we asked. His reply? “Veni, vedi, vici! Boom, I’m sure I’ll be back, but it won’t be because I’m hungry.” Charming, isn’t he?