Hutong is the Mandarin word for the narrow alleys that once comprised the majority of residential zones of Beijing. These areas became best known in the run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games as they were largely bulldozed by the government to make room for modern (and far less charming) development. Today the hutong is on the verge of extinction. Those remaining won’t last much longer. It’s a shame because walking around there you get a unique view into a Beijing that's quite different than the one emerging all around it.
Bird's eye view of a Hutong from the Bell Tower
Charming roofline
Some fairly decent cars line the streets. Apparently living in a Hutong has become a trendy...
Peaking inside one of the courtyards...
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