The Hutongs of Beijing are the small street or alley, that had their origin during the reign of the Yuan Dynasty. �Hutong�, is actually a Mongolian word, literally meaning Water Well. During the olden days in China, settlements were built around water wells, hence the name, Hutong originated. It is said that the real culture of Beijing can be found in these Hutong of Beijing. There are countless Hutongs surrounding the famous Forbidden City of Beijing.

In those days, several courtyards were built along the roads of Beijing. Hutongs were the openings left between courtyards which facilitated movement from one courtyard to another.

The hutongs of Beijing, have been a silent witness to several upheavals in the history of the city. It is said that wherever you find a hutong, you are sure to find a story. Every hutong of Beijing has a typical character of its own. The Beixinqiao Hutong has the most number of turns among all the Hutongs present in Beijing. The Qiangshi Hitong is the narrowest one with a width of only 40 centimeters! Dongjiaomin Hutong, the longest hutong of Beijing has a length of about 6.5 kilometers.

The names of the Hutongs have been derived from people living in those lanes or from things sold in those lanes once upon a tine. The houses surrounding a Hutong are generally quadrangular as they surround a courtyard. The social status of the residents decides on the size and design of the quadrangles. A trip to the Hutong on typical Chinese rickshaws can let to have a whiff of the real flavor of Beijing.

Tourist Attractions in Beijing

Hutong