Hutong (Alleys/Lanes) in Beijing
Hutongs, having a history of more than 800 years, are alleys forined by rows of
neighbouring Siheyan ( traditional-style, single-story houses with rows of rooms around
the four sides of a courtyard). The history of Hutung can be traced back to the Yuan
Dynasty (]271--136g). The word "hutong" is said to have originated f~nl the word
"hottog" which means a well in Mongolia, where it was common practice in the northern grasslands communities to dig a well and then live around its edges. The Emperor of the
Yuan Dynasty constructed Dadu ( Yuan's capital city) in 1267. The 9 north-south streets
and 9 east-west streets intersected each other and divided the city into rectangular blocks
with single-stets, houses grouped around courtyards. The narrow alleys stretching from
built between the quadrangles for access purposes, When more and more families began
twisted and confusing. In Beijing, there used to be 4, 000 Hutongs, if linked end to end,
which would be longer than file Great Wall.
These single-story houses grouped around the courtyards, direcdng toward due south,
legends and anecdotes, and much hearsay associated with them. They are an important
Beijing. One thels as if he entered a museum when walking along the Hutongs and
feeling the appeal of the local culture. If a person really wants to learn something
meaningful about local residents' lives, a jaunt down the intricate maze of Beljing~s
Hutongs is essendah Perhaps the best way for visitors to see them is through a pedicab-
tour offered by Beijthg Hutong Tourist Agency. The Hutong tour will bring you right into
people's lives. It provides opportunities to interact with locals and to participate in their
daily acdvifies.
The particular Beijing local culture can be seen at the gates of these compound houses :
the exquisitely carved bricks, stone blocks supporting the pivot of a door ; various shapes
of wood~ the ancient trees, stone carvings and the screen walls. With their unique
building style, Hutongs tell stories of old Beijing and the lives of ordinary people, the
ancient capital of the Yuan, Ming and Qthg Dynasties.
Hutongs contain rich flavour of culture of Beijthg. Hutongs are the sign, the symbol as
well as the pride of Beijing. They are unique in the world. The following list includes
the famous Hutongs in Beijing: Zhuzhong Hutong, Mao'er Hutong, The Most Mixed
Hutong, The Oldest Humng, The Narrowest Hutong, The Longest, Widest Hutong, The
Shortest Hutong, Hutong with Curves, Yandaixiejie, and Dachilan.
Visitors can learn about Beijing while sight-seeing around in the Shicharhai Lake Area
which consists of numerous quadrangles such as fomaer t~sidenee of Imperial Prince
Gong, the former residence of Song Qingling, and the former residence of Guo Momo.
To summarize, quadrangles located around these small lanes are the living witness of ordinary local Beijing people. The life of them people in these lanes contributes greatly to
the charm of the ancient capital. It is in these Hutongs that families play, buy goods,
gossip and connect. No one knows the exact number of lanes in Beijing. The
disappearance of lanes and quadrangles every year wakes the Chinese people's awareness
of prmecting this precious culture heritage. About 37% of old Beijing is protected. For
instance, Hutongs near the Gulou area and Shichahai at~a have been well preserved.