Beijing's Hutongs, unique dwelling area and community
China's economic development and urbanization has given the old capital Beijing a modern make over. Arrived in this huge ancient city you will be suppressed by its modern architectural show pieces, wide streets, and skyscraper skyline. But a stroll through the city's Hutongs (narrow alleyways) reveals the charm of old Beijing.
Hutongs are unique dwelling areas and a fundamental part of Beijing's society and city fabric in old days. Created by the walls of courtyard houses or courtyard dwelling compounds (i.e. Si-He-Yuan in Chinese) lining along the alleyway, Hutongs have been home of Beijing folks for centuries.
Traditionally people of Beijing lived in Hutongs, where has fostered a very special community culture. Since most people have lived in the Hutongs for generations, everyone knows each other. Thus, Hutongs are like many mini societies shared collective norms and value. 
Within a mini society of Hutongs, children are well taken care of and seniors are respected by not only their own families but also the neighborhood. It is a perfect place for kids to grow up and elderly to enjoy a lifestyle after retirement.
Although many Hutongs have been towed down to give way to the city's modernization. Some are cleaned up and repaired for culture protection. There are several large Hutong areas left in Beijing, such as the Bell and Drum Towers area, the Shichahai District, the Niujie (Ox Street), and the Qianmen area. The Bell and Drum Towers area and the Shichahai District are the most famous and commonly visited Hutong areas.
Some of the residents in Hutongs convert their Si-He-Yuang (courtyard houses) into boutique hotels or homestays providing visitors excellent opportunities to have an authentic experience of local people's lives.
