Hutong in Beijing

Hutongs are alleys formed by lines of courtyards. The word “Hutong” came from the Mongolian language about 700 years ago which means water well. They are not only the transportation veins of the city but also the local Beijingers’ dwellings, which reflect the rich and colorful culture of Beijing. At the first glance, people find all the hutongs are made of grey walls and tiles and there is no difference. However, you’ll find every hutong has its legendary history and anecdotes if you explore a few ones and chat with the inhabitants.

Nowadays, most tourists to Beijing will take a rickshaw to travel to the hutongs in the areas of the Bell Tower and Shichahai Lake.

History

Hutong in Beijing appeared first in Yuan Dynasty ((1206-1341) when the imperial court rebuilt the city as their capital. In the following Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, more and more hutongs were constructed around the Forbidden City as the dwellings for expanding population. With the urbanization of Beijing, the number of Beijing hutongs has dropped dramatically since the mid-20th century. In order to protect the city’s ancient style and preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history, the government designated more than 20 hutongs as the protected ones.

How to name "Hutong"

Like streets, hutongs have their names which bear the history and social customs. The names are derived from the names of the places, temples, warehouses, workshops, people’s names, foods and even shape or government's organs. Some have had only one name since their establishment while others have had a few names throughout their history. For example, Baoguosi Hutong got its name from the nearby Baoguo Temple while Maoer (straw hat) Hutong derived its name from the daily necessity.

Famous Hutongs

The top ten Hutongs in Beijing are Nanluoguxiang Alley, Yandai Xiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Guozijian Street, Jinyu Hutong, Liulichang Culture Street, Dong Jiaomin Hutong, Xi Jiaomin Hutong, Ju'er Hutong and Bada Hutong.

Nanluoguxiang Alley near the Houhai Lake is famous for its long history, culture, specialty stores, and distinctive foods. The alley still preserves its original Yuan Dynasty design with symmetrical eight hutongs on east and west sides. The Prince Gong’s Mansion and Lake Houhai are within the area. You can take a rickshaw or rent a bicycle to explore the area. At night, you can relax in a bar at the Houhai Bar Street or enjoy snacks in the Hutongs.

Yandai Xiejie near the Drum Tower is like a tobacco pouch. The street became famous for its pipe business and today there are many bars, tea houses, coffee rooms and souvenir shops. Maoer Hutong connected with the bustling streets is not far from here. Guozijian Street is the only hutong which has a Paifang (archway) and it is located near the Imperial College and Confucius Temple. Liulichang Culture Street is famous for Four Treasures of the Study.

As the perfect examples showcasing the history of Beijing, its people and their culture, Hutongs in Beijing attracts tourists from home and abroad. Come and explore, you’ll have a fresh insight into Beijing's local life in Courtyard Houses of Beijing.