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Beijing Hutongs, China

 
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Legend
  • Sightseeing travel tip
  • City center
Distance from city center: 11.5mi
papillon's pictureby papillon Sightseeing travel tip
added on the 8th of September, 2010
Hutongs are known as small passageways or streets, originated from the Yuan dynasty. They are the symbols of the everyday life of common people. And because so many locals who lived in these hutongs were happy with their ways of life, it also represented harmony and happiness. Though the only drawback was that these people have been living in the same place for centuries, and were not able to move away, even when their houses were crumbling down upon them.

One of the most famous and notable hutongs that is worth visiting is the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street. Originally called Skewed Drum Tower Street, this hutong was full of pipe shops because many local residents smoked opium on the streets in the ancient times and thus the demand for more and more pipes grew. Nowadays tea houses, bars, coffee rooms and souvenir shops 'decorate' the street which are quite popular among locals and visitors as well.

To experience a little bit of ancient everyday history you should explore the hutongs on rickshaws, thus you might feel as if you were transported back in time. :)

Address:
Xiaoshibei Hutong, Xicheng, Beijing, China

Price:
No fee required to roam the streets.

Opening Hours:
It is safer in the daytime.

How to get there:
Hutongs can be found almost everywhere in Beijing.

 
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