Traditional Beijing: the HutongsPeople who wish to escape Beijing’s veritable forest of towering modern buildings should make their way to the hutongs, hold outs of Beijing’s rich traditional culture. According to the history books, the hutongs and the hutong lifestyle came into vogue in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 to 1368).
The word ‘hutong’ means alley, in Chinese, but in English people use the word to refer to both the long, narrow, twisting alleys of old Beijing and the traditional, courtyard style homes you find there. Old Beijing was comprised entirely of hutongs. The skyscrapers have almost all been built since China opened it’s doors in the 80’s. Some of the hutong areas are slightly steep, some completely flat, and all are mazes of gray-walled traditional houses. So alike do all of these houses look from the allies that getting lost isn’t just easy, it’s inevitable.
On the other side of all those featureless grey walls lie traditional community courtyard homes. The doors of four houses open onto a square, common courtyard. In today’s modern world, where people are quick to build strong fences around their homes, the common courtyard is a hold-over from a more friendly and trusting culture in which neighbors aren’t just friends, they’re family. The roofless courtyard is a great place to sit and enjoy a clear view of the sky.
One of the most famous hutongs in Beijing is the Shichacai. Said to be older that the city itself, this hutong is one place where Beijing’s traditional look and living style is intact. But, as is inevitable in modern China cafes, bars and boutiques, resulting in a lovely blend of tradition and capitalism, flank the lane. Shichacia’s alleys are lengthy and narrow so if you do not want to cover them on foot it might be a good idea to take a pedicab. In the summer months, you can even hire a gondola to enjoy the fresh breeze off the river while you sightsee.
