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Thanks to Beijing's long history and status as capital for six dynasties, almost every hutong has its anecdotes, and some are even associated with historic events. In contrast to the court life and elite culture represented by the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, the hutongs reflect the culture of grassroots Beijingers.
Beijing hutongs have a history of more than 700 years. The hutong first appeared in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The Mongolians captured the Beijing area in 1215, and in 1271 they started to build their Yuan Empire capital called Dadu (大都 Dàdū).
Hutong, narrow lanes between Siheyuan in Beijing, keeps the real culture and history of the city. It is where you can get close to local ordinary people and their life. It originates in Yuan Dynasty, and now Shichahai and Dashilar areas keep the best ones.
Discover the history of Beijing's Hutongs: why they were built, their origins, what life was and is like in the hutongs, how they've changed, and their future.
The history of hutongs can be traced back to Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368). The term "hutong", originally meaning "water wells", appeared first during the Yuan Dynasty, and it is believed to be a term of Mongol language origin.
Beijing Hutong is not only a pass in this city, but also the vital stage showing the historical and cultural evolution of the ancient capital. Every hutong seems like a museum of folk custom with rich culture and features of era.
The true essence of the city is found in its traditional lanes packed with single-story houses. Here, Beijing Postcards founder Lars Ulrik Thom guides us through hidden hutong history.
