Hutong Tour

Most of the hutongs in Beijing run east-west or north-south as if on a grid. This is because most of the siheyuan were built following the rules of feng shui so that they could take in more sunshine and resist cold winds from the north. Of course, not all hutongs follow the straight and narrow. There are also slant hutongs, half hutongs and dead-end hutongs. Beijing's shortest hutong is just 10 meters (32 feet) long and the narrowest is only about 40 centimeters (16 inches) wide. Some hutongs have more than 20 turns. As such, they are often a maze through which it is fascinating to wander, as long as you're not afraid of getting lost.

The narrowness of the alleyways and of many courtyard homes discourages heavy traffic and encourages residents to live their lives on the street, fostering a strong sense of community. The pace of life in these neighborhoods is less hurried than on Beijing 's broad modern avenues and the noise is less grating. It is common to see the residents playing cards, Chinese chess, Mahjong, or simply chatting with each other. The hutongs are like village within the megalopolis. As you wander through them, you may feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Many hutongs have disappeared in the past decade to make way for modern apartment buildings and wider roads. Fortunately, some historic neighborhoods are being preserved. In this respect, visitors can see Beijing as an ancient yet modern city. We suggest going on foot since this will allow you to soak in the atmosphere, move at your own pace, and observe the small details that make hutongs unique. Renting a bicycle is also a good option, this way you can cover more ground and rest your feet. Hiring a rickshaw is also a fun way to go.