Discover the Hutong

Beijing's hutong areas are ancient, twisting alley neighborhoods that simply beg to be explored—whether on foot, by bicycle, or by pedicab, we promise you'll learn a thing or two about the real lifeblood and culture of this fascinating city.

For long-time residents of Beijing there is probably nothing more emblematic of the city than these idyllic—but quickly disappearing—courtyard houses and hutongs. This is Old Peking. See it before it vanishes. Never bypass an intriguing alleyway: strolls into the hutong frequently reveal ancient neighborhoods; brick and timber homes; courtyards full of children, laobaixing (ordinary folk); and, in winter, mountains of cabbage and coal—not to mention the occasional walkway so narrow that pedestrians can't pass two abreast.

Despite the radical changes that are taking place around the city, time seems to stand still in these tiny alleyways. Hutongs have been around for more than 700 years. During imperial days there were no signs marking the hutongs, whose names were only passed on orally. Some are named after national heroes, some for their geographical location, and others for the businesses that were once based there.

Traditional courtyard houses are also an important part of the allure of hutongs. The designs of the houses were a symbol of the owner's rank and social status. Homes with elaborate Chinese-style gates with spreading eaves are the former residences of imperial officials or businessmen. The homes of commoners have simple square-topped gates.

One of the best places to explore Beijing's hutongs is the Houhai area, which was home to nobles during the Qing Dynasty, and where you can still find some of their homes and gardens. Walk around the lake and plunge into any small lane and just keep wandering around this maze of alleyways. The Silver Ingot Bridge, which separates the front and rear lakes, is a good place to start. Or you can wander around the hutongs that surround the nearby Drum Tower. Beijing hippest hutong, Nan Luoguxiang, is a 10-minute walk to the east. Don't worry about getting lost when wandering; you'll end up back at a major thoroughfare sooner or later.

An easy way to visit the hutongs is with the Beijing Hutong Tourist Agency. To experience the inside of one of the beautiful siheyuan, or courtyard houses of the Qing Dynasty, have dinner at the Red Capital Club, the Source, Baijia Dazhaimen, or Gui Gongfu, which are located in old houses once belonging to Manchu officials.