Beijing’s skyline may be all modern towers and glass facades, but step into a hutong—and you’re instantly transported into another world. These narrow alleys, lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan), are the living, breathing soul of Old Beijing. Let’s explore what hutongs are, which ones you shouldn’t miss, and the best ways to experience them like a local. 🏠 What Are Hutongs? Hutongs (胡同) are traditional alleyways unique to northern China, especially Beijing. They date back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and were historically organized around siheyuan, or courtyard homes, which housed generations of families. Today, hutongs are a rare […]
