Hutong, Beijing Style

Beijing is not simply known for its political role as the capital of China, the profound eternal charm also adds to its world-wide reputation as an attractive city. The city is carefully preserving precious historical cultural relics in the modern time. Each year a massive amount of tourists come and visit inheritances such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and, among our most recommended list, the Hutong Courtyard.

Hutong is a unique kind of Beijing-style community where live those Beijing-born old citizens. Behind the walls are local people's residence, named Si-He-Yuan, which comprise several low buildings that are grouped around one or more central courtyards with one main gateway and a secondary back door. Hutong-style building represents Beijng's traditional neighborhood and architectural art. Initially built from Yuan Dynasty (1271 A.D. - 1368 A.D.), Hutong is regarded as a carrier of traditional Beijing culture. The buildings were subject to traditional Chinese building regulations, to indicate the dignity of the royal glory.

Through thousands of years' history, Hutongs are still witnessing historical changes. For those are longing for real insight into the old appearance of Beijing's residential buildings, Hutong is a perfect place to go. Among all the various Hutongs, Nanluoguxiang Hutong is extremly favored by tourists, but  Shichahai Hutong is also strongly recommended as a must-see. Comprising outer gray brick walls and red-painted beams, Shichahai Hutong is located to the north of the Forbidden City beside the Shichahai Lake, near the center of Beijing city. Dragons and phoenixes are decorated only for rich family, meaning good fortune and high social status, and stone lions stand outside the entrance to expel evil things. All of these symbols make Shichahai Hutong to be a folk museum of Beijing traditional culture.