Beijing >> Hutong

A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing, where hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many hutongs were built during the Yuan dynasty (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems. The center of the city of Beijing was the royal palace ie the Forbidden City.
If sightseeing the Imperial Palace is helpful in learning about the lives of China's emperors, the hutongs of Beijing reflect the history of ordinary citizens. A day tour through hutongs gives you fresh insight into Beijing's local life.