Where We Go to Deep Feel the Real Culture of Beijing?

Are you touring in Beijing now? Do you want to deep feel the traditional culture of Beijing when you have your Beijing tour? Then I will tell you that Hutong is the best choice. Hutong preserves the memory of traditional life and culture in Beijing. It records the common life of those genuine, old native of Beijing. Welcome your tour in Beijing, and we hope we will bring you a new recognition of Beijing city.

History of Hutong

With a history of more than 700 years, Hutong is one of the cultural symbols of old Beijing City.

Just small back streets or lanes in Beijing, Hutong is an unusual term used only in Beijing and a few northern cities in China. In fact, it was originally a Han language term, but came from Mongolian roots.

First appeared in the Yuan Dynasty and developed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, small streets in Beijing began to be called Hutong after the Nuzhen people from the northeast, who founded the Jin Dynasty. Later, it became the capital of its country. And the custom became more widespread when the city was the capital of the Yuan Dynasty after the Mongol conquest.

Beijing Hutongs seem to have the same appearance: grey tiles capping on grey walls. However, if you wander in Hutongs, you will find that every hutong has its unique history.

More and more Hutongs were built in the outer city of Beijing during the Qing Dynasty. About 2,077 Hutongs was built in Beijing by that time.

With the development of our country, lots of the old Hutongs were demolished and replaced by huge buildings. However, more and more people come to realize that Hutongs are vital part of Beijing and seek to protect them. Without these hutongs, the memory of the traditional life and culture in Beijing will disappear. Therefore, the government has issued some regulations to ensure their future. 

Names of Beijing Hutong

 

Hutongs are not only the streets of the Beijing city, but also contain the homes of ordinary Beijing people and an important stage in the development of this city. Hutongs preserved the history of Beijing. Some Hutongs are the names of some famous persons who once lived there while others are named for well-known craftsmen or shops. Besides, there are some Hutongs are named from some animals such as Jinyu Hutong.

Now, Hutongs have become one of famous attractions in Beijing. When you enjoy a Beijing tour, you can rent a bike and cycle along those Hutongs to appreciation of the history and culture of the Hutongs and courtyard houses.