Beijing

Hutongs in Beijing

• These are basically traditional, communal-type houses.  There are four houses, and they all surround a garden or courtyard.  Like a box with a four-sided garden in the center.

• There is only one gate for one hutong.  Life is laid back and peaceful inside, with the outside world shut out.

• They were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.  From what I read, the emperors built them in order to “establish supreme power”.  They planned and designed the city layout such that right in the center where, the several thousands of hutong surround, is The Forbidden City.

• The hutongs near the palace belonged to the imperial kinsmen and aristocrats.

• The other kind, which housed the merchants and ordinary folks, were simple and crude structures.

• Those hutongs that belonged to the wealthy merchants or high ranking official have specially built roof beams and pillars with elaborate carvings.

• The hutongs of the poorer folks were low houses, and simple in design.  Very authentic communal living.

• A lot of the hutongs face the south for better lighting, so you’ll notice many runs east to west.

• To decorate the garden, the folks liked to grow flowers or trees.  You'll see lots of pomegranate trees because they bring good luck  ... or rather ...more children.

• In modern Beijing, hutong represents the ancient past, like a heritage site.  Many have been pulled down …so quickly visit them before they all disappear ... :(