A hutong in Beijing is the term used to refer to one of the innumerable alleys and narrow streets which can still be found in the Chinese capital. Typically these small alleys are created by lines of traditional residences known as ‘siheyuan’ which feature courtyards. Many of the old neighbourhoods of Beijing were creating by connecting these siheyuan together forming a hutong, and then connecting these hutongs to one another.

Although in recent years some of these hutongs have been destroyed to accommodate new buildings and roads, some of the hutongs have been identified as protected areas so as to preserve this traditional aspect of Chinese culture.

At the time of China’s imperial dynastic period the emperors arranged the residential plan of the city in accordance with the social classes of Chinese society. By the time of the Ming Dynasty the centre of the capital was the Forbidden City; this secluded area was encircled by the Inner City and the Outer City respectively. Residents of the higher strata of society were allowed to occupy residences closer to the city centre. The elaborate residences of prosperous merchants and high-ranking court officials formed orderly, attractive hutongs.  The hutongs formed by the residences of commoners were narrower and simpler.

Hutongs are inseparable from the history and culture of the Chinese capital, and many have significant legacies of their own. In contrast with the elite imperial culture of sites like the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, the hutongs represent the lifestyles of ordinary Chinese citizens in years past. Visitors are invariably captivated by this charming aspect of the city of Beijing.