Beijing Hutongs

Beijing Attractions

	Introduction to Beijing Hutongs （北京胡同） Beijing Hutongs are a fundamental part of Beijing culture and history. The existence of the Beijing Hutongs can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) where there was an estimated 380 Hutongs. It was recorded in 1949 there was a total of 1,330 Hutongs but today due to urban planning many have been demolished. The Hutongs in Beijing were formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences known as Siheyuan. Neighborhoods were formed by joining one Siheyuan to another to form a Hutong. The Hutongs in Beijing consist of numerous courtyards joined together. The histories of the Hutongs are interesting as it demonstrated the social class status beginning from the Ming Dynasty where the Forbbiden Palace was the center. Nobles and rich merchants lived in luxurious courtyards situated in the east and west. Commoners were located to the north of the palace. There are still some siheyuan in Beijing, mainly former mansions of princes, some of which have been turned into museums, and others are used as government offices.The typical Siheyuan consists of four buildings and the main gate always faces the south. The Beijng Hutongs are a unique part of Beijing culture. Although the most famous remaining Hutongs are residencies of the rich and famous the most interesting part of visiting these areas is catching a glimpse of the everyday life that still continues.

	Location of Beijing's Top Hutongs Nanluoguxiang - Nanluoguxiang is the oldest Beijing Hutong located in downtown Beijing. Zhuanta Hutong - Zhuanta Hutong is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing and one of the city's best-preserved hutongs with relatively little exposure to destruction. Goldfish Hutong - Goldfish Hutong is located on Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng district. It begins at Dongdan Street and west to Wangfujing Street with the total length of 567 meters. Lingjing Hutong - Lingjing Hutong is located in the center of Xicheng District, Beijing. Lingjing Hutong lies between Fuyou Street in the east and Xidan North Street in the west. Mao’er Hutong - Mao’er Hutong is one of the Top 10 Beijing Hutongs, and it ranks the fourth in Beijing. Mao’er Hutong is located in northwest of Dongcheng District.

	Main Sights Siheyuan (Old Courtyard Houses), Hutong style coffee shops and restaurants

	Travel Information Admission Fee: Free Opening Hours: All Day Best Time to Visit: Beijing Hutongs are suitable to visit all year round.

	Transportation 1. It's best to take a taxis to the Hutongs you want to visit, once you arrive you can hire a bike and cycle your way around the hutongs which is an absolutely unique experience.

	Travel Tips 1. Try to avoid visiting during the summer holidays and Golden Week in October. There are many tour groups and local tourists during national holidays.

	Tour including Visiting Beijing Hutongs 5-Hour Beijing Cityscape Sightseeing Group Tour