When you often think of Beijing you think of the numerous historical sites and the thriving business district. Beijingers and tourists a like rush around the city, but rarely slow down to notice the hidden gem of the city; The Hutongs. These are the old neighbourhoods where locals have lived for centuries. If you want to experience the traditional Chinese culture book a Beijing flight with Air China now!
Located only a few kilometres away from Tiananmen Square, in the heart of Beijing stands the old alleyways of the Hutongs. The word ‘hutong’ was originally thought to have meant ‘water well’ in Mongolian and they were first developed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD.) The definition of a Hutong is a street that is 9 meters wide or less. Originally there were 29 Hutongs in Beijing, which were home to court officials and noblemen. However now traditional Chinese families live there, just like the generations before them. It is common to find courtyards made up of many one-level family units that reveal an authentic way of life. The Hutongs are renowned for their big community spirit and relaxed atmosphere. Many elderly residents sit in the alleyways chatting in Mandarin or playing Chinese chess, while the children play outside their homes. The scene is so simple yet admirable.
Even though the development of the city has threatened the existence of the Hutongs on many occasions, most areas have remained unchanged for 700 years. However in the 1980s a large section of a Hutong was bulldozed down to allow for high-rise apartments to be built. Fortunately since then the government has recognised that the Hutongs are part of Beijing’s cultural heritage and therefore aim to preserve the area.
The best way to see the Hutongs is to walk around them and get lost in their historic ambience. While you are visiting the Hutongs you must take a rickshaw ride down the winding alleyways to see the homes of the real Chinese people. When exploring the Hutongs you must realise that they are not just small quaint buildings; they represent the traditional Chinese way of life.
The time to visit the Hutongs is during festivals or holidays as they are a sea of red, covered with lanterns and paper cut outs. This tradition has been followed for centuries and highlights the community spirit.
If you really want to learn about the Chinese culture Travel to Beijing and visit the Hutongs.
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