Beijing Hutongs: A Local’s Insights and Visitors' Guide
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Beijing Hutongs: A Local’s Insights and Visitors' Guide

Written by Vincent Lee Updated Feb. 7, 2025

What is the soul of Beijing? Is it the magnificent Forbidden City or the splendid Great Wall? If you ask me, the answer is the ordinary hutongs. Why? The Forbidden City was significant to the ancient emperors of China, and the Great Wall was a marvelous military defensive project.

But what truly represents the lives of local people in Beijing? Where do ordinary residents live? What is the essence of Beijing? That’s the hutong.

There is an old saying in Beijing: "There are over 3,600 hutongs with names, but if we count all the hutongs, there are more than the hairs on an ox" (有名的胡同三千六,没名的胡同赛牛毛). This saying highlights the numerous hutongs in Beijing.

Clients often ask me during their travels in Beijing, "Where are the hutongs?" I tell them, "They are everywhere in the old city; there’s no need to go to the most popular ones. Stroll through any of them to see local life, explore interesting shops, visit a local family, or join an activity…"

Vincent Lee, Beijing Tour Guide
Vincent Lee
10+ Years as a Local Guide in Beijing

Hi, I'm Vincent. Twelve years ago, I graduated with a master's degree in hospitality and tourism management. Now, I am an enthusiastic local tour guide in Beijing, and I truly enjoy my job of showcasing the beautiful city of Beijing to every tourist. Beijing boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Welcome to Beijing for an interesting and authentic tour!

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What Is a Hutong?

A Beijing hutongNanluoguxiang Hutong

Literally, "hutong" means an alley or small street between rows of siheyuan (quadrangle or courtyard residences). Furthermore, hutongs are the veins of Beijing; numerous hutongs and siheyuan together form the old city.

Around 700 years ago, during the Yuan Dynasty, hutongs were constructed according to the urban planning of Beijing.

You might be wondering why it is called "hutong" and what this word means. The most popular theory is that "hutong" comes from the Mongolian word "quddug", meaning "water well". Since Beijing was the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, and its rulers were Mongolian, this makes sense.

Water is the source of life and the most essential element for humans. Wells were dug in every alley to supply water to the neighborhood. People began using the term "quddug" or its similar sound "hutong" to refer to these alleys.

Hutongs and siheyuan are always interconnected; hutongs connect all the siheyuan, and many siheyuan in a row form a hutong.

Visit local Siheyuan in the hutongVisit local Siheyuan in the hutong

How a Hutong Gets Its Name

Beijing's hutongs often have descriptive names. There are various ways to name a hutong, such as:

  • Landmarks: (usually temples, city gates, and government organizations), e.g., Guanyinsi Hutong ('Guanyin Temple Alley') and Gongyuan Hutong (where imperial examinations were held).
  • Markets: e.g., Yangshi Hutong ('Sheep Market Alley'), Luomashi Hutong ('Mule and Horse Market Alley'), and Mishi Hutong ('Rice Market Alley').
  • Scenery: e.g., Liushu Hutong ('Willow Alley') and Shijinhuyuan Hutong ('Assorted Garden Alley').
  • Layout: e.g., Yandai Xie Jie ('Tobacco Pouch Inclined Street') and Jiudaowan Hutong ('Nine Bends Alley').
  • Auspiciousness: e.g., Xiqing Hutong ('Happy Alley').
  • Notable residents: e.g., Shaguo Liu Hutong (Casserole-Pot Liu was a notable craftsman) and Mengduan Hutong (Meng Duan was a Beijing mayor during the Ming era).

Top Things to Do on a Hutong Tour

Beijing's hutongs are the best places to explore the quintessential Beijinger's life and discover many authentic hidden delicacies. 

A half-day hutong tour is generally recommended; there’s no need to spend an entire day, as half a day of exploring hutongs combined with some home visit activities is just right.

The best way to experience hutong culture is through a city walk. You can immerse yourself in the lifestyle of old Beijingers by watching local vendors, tasting local snacks, and observing residents playing mahjong or chatting over tea under the eaves.

You can also visit open siheyuan to appreciate the wisdom of traditional Beijing architecture and relax in uniquely decorated cafés.

In addition to walking, you can take a rickshaw tour around Shichahai, which lasts about half an hour and offers views of residential areas, royal mansions, and lakeside scenery.

Rickshaw experience in HutongRickshaw experience in Hutong

Some hutong families welcome guests for home visits, where you can experience activities like face painting, paper cutting, making dumplings, and cricket fighting. This is a unique and authentic experience that my previous clients have greatly enjoyed, setting it apart from traditional sightseeing.

Paper cutting in hutongLearning paper cutting in hutong

Some popular Hutong City Walk Itineraries:

  • Nanluoguxiang and Ke Garden - the Drum Tower - Yandaixiejie Street - Silver Ingot Bridge  - Qianhai Lake  - Lotus Market: This walk usually takes 2 hours. It is a journey back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) when the earliest settlements were built in this area. 
Nanluoguxiang HutongNanluoguxiang Hutong
  • Liulichang Culture Street - Dashilan - Qianmen: This walk usually takes 1½ hours, allowing you to experience the cultural atmosphere in Beijing and learn about the oldest brands there, helping you understand why they are so popular among Beijingers.
Qianmen StreetQianmen Street

Tips for a Hutong Visit

Although hutongs are public areas and generally well-signposted, there are some things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Most people are friendly and willing to talk, but very few speak English. Understanding the locals will help you understand the city better. A local guide can assist you in communicating with residents and provide deeper insights into hutong culture and history.
  • Do not enter private courtyards without the owner's permission, especially those marked with signs such as (私人住宅,非请勿进).
  • Be cautious of electric scooters, which can move quickly and quietly. Pay attention to traffic while strolling through the hutongs.
ride an electric scooterYou can also ride an electric scooter to explore Hutong

Top Hutongs in Beijing I Recommend Most

Among all the hutongs in Beijing, these three are my favorites:

  • Caochang Hutong (草场胡同): This is my favorite area for strolling. Unlike Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang, Caochang Hutong is less crowded, clean, and quiet. It’s not commercialized, and you’ll see many locals still living here.

Sanlihe Park (三里河公园) is a highlight, where you can see koi, geese, and ducks swimming in a beautiful river, along with a stone bridge and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by stylish coffee and tea shops.

  • Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同): Located next to the Lama Temple, Wudaoying Hutong features many boutiques, cafés, and bars. However, it is not as crowded and bustling as Nanluoguxiang, offering a blend of ancient dwellings and modern life.
Wudaoying HutongWudaoying Hutong
  • Shijia Hutong (史家胡同): Near Wangfujing Street, Shijia Hutong is a historic area where many famous people once lived. There is a hutong museum worth visiting, providing a general overview of hutongs and siheyuan, along with many valuable exhibits related to hutong life.
Shijia HutongShijia Hutong Museum in a Siheyuan

Some Fun Facts about Beijing Hutongs

  • The longest hutong Dongxijiaomin Xiang: It stretches 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) and used to be the diplomatic area after the Second Opium War in 1860.
  • The shortest hutong, Yichidajie ('One-Foot Street'): It is only 20 meters (65 feet) long.
  • The narrowest hutong, Qianshi ('Coin Market') Hutong: It is just 0.4 meters (16 inches) wide at its narrowest point; it used to be a financial exchange but became the narrowest hutong as banks on both sides expanded.
  • The widest hutong, Lingjing Hutong: It measures 32 meters (104 feet) at its broadest point.
  • The oldest hutong, Sanmiaojie ('Three Temples Street') Hutong: It dates back 900 years.
  • The most tortuous hutong, Jiuwan ('Nine Bends') Hutong: It is 390 meters long with more than 13 turns!
wall with wine jars in a hutongAn interesting wall with wine jars in a hutong

Beijing's hutongs are carriers of the city’s culture and serve as a window into real Beijing life. You can check out some of our popular private hutong tours, all of which can be customized to meet your needs. 

Feel free to contact us for any inquiries.

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