Hutong（胡同）

Jeffrey Schwab mixes humor with theater and historical facts as he guides groups through Beijing's celebrated residential mazes, Darnell Gardner Jr. / China Daily

In the rich and historical culture of Beijing, the Hutong has a very special and important position. It is one of the most distinctive features and must-see attractions in Beijing.

The word hutong came from the Mongolian language about 700 years ago. According to research, it originates from the word hot-tog in Mongolian meaning "water well". Where there was a spring or well, there were residents. The word hottog became hutong after it was introduced into Beijing.

Hutong means lane and alley, smaller than a street. It is in fact the passage formed by lines of siheyuan where most Beijing residents live. One hutong connects with another, and siheyuan connects with siheyuan, to form a block, and blocks join with blocks to form the whole city.

There were 459 hutongs in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and 978 hutongs in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The present number is 1,316 in the urban and suburban districts of Beijing.

To get a better experience of the unique culture of ancient Beijing, you are suggested visit a few of Beijing's Hutongs. The famous ones include: Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao'er Hutong and Guozijian Street.

Admission: Free

Also read: Top 10 most attractive hutongs in Beijing