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.
