Beijing Hutong

The Beijing Hutong (old lane) areas have a special and important position in the rich history and culture of Beijing. It has been recorded that the earliest Beijing Hutong originated in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Residential houses were set up for high-ranking officials (usually a compound with a courtyard with one-story houses) side by side. Small alleys that run between courtyards for proper draught and daylight were the earliest hutongs. Hutong was gradually adopted by old Beijing residents and has been handed down to the present. The houses built on each side of the Hutong are called Siheyuan (quadrangle), and are generally rectangular dwelling compounds, with buildings on four sides. Almost every quadrangle is surrounded by high walls. Hutong is formed by quadrangles standing side by side along a straight passage. Hutong means a period of history, a cordial lifestyle, and even an "encyclopedia of Beijing". Most of the hutongs that remain today were built in the Ming and Qing resulted from the expansion of the imperial city. The hutongs give a wonderful glimpse into the world of yesterday in Beijing. While visiting the Beijing Hutong, you can appreciate the dramatic changes that the rest of Beijing has undergone. Best Time to Visit Beijing Hutongs This Hutong area has its unique beauty in all seasons. Summer nights are great, and winter has fewer people. For photographers, winter, summer, and autumn will be the best seasons to take pictures . Winter and autumn are good seasons to visit the Hutong and take excellent photos. The Hutong at sunset is very beautiful. Top 10 Hutongs in Beijing Hutongs are typical lanes with houses built on each side, which are known as courtyards where the locals still live. Hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. It is one of the most distinctive features and a must-see attraction in Beijing. There are thousands of Hutongs in Beijing, with names and those without names, many of which were built in the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. We list some of the most famous Hutongs that you shouldn't miss when visiting Beijing. Nanluoguxiang Nanluoguxiang is an 800-meter-long south-north alleyway , located between Di'anmendong Avenue and Gulou Avenue, east of Houhai, the northern part of the Dongcheng District. As one of the best preserved Hutong areas in downtown Beijing, Nanluoguxiang is famous for its Hutong and courtyards (Siheyuan). There are many bars, cafes, and chic shops