Visit Old Beijing || 2 Minute Series 

Visit Old Beijing || 2 Minute Series
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In historic Old Beijing, the city was organized into a grid pattern by its principal streets. Each square section of the city was filled with a labyrinth of narrow lanes, known as hutongs, derived from the Mongolian word for "horse trough" or "hut." These hutongs were characterized by their square-shaped, single-storey houses that surrounded a central courtyard. The houses had minimal outward-facing windows and typically featured a wooden gate adorned with intricately carved characters, believed to bring good fortune to the residents or their trade.
The proximity of the houses was such that the lanes were only wide enough to accommodate a horseback rider. The names of the hutongs often reflected the lives and activities that took place within them. Some hutongs indicated specific professions or crafts, such as Bowstring Makers' Lane, Cloth Lane, or Hat Lane. In cases where a single family occupied a lane, it would bear the family name.
For visitors interested in experiencing the charm of Beijing's hutongs, the areas around Shichahai Lakes, located to the west of the Forbidden City, and the vicinity of the Bell and Drum Towers particularly recommended. These areas offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage preserved within the hutongs.