Secrets of the Oldest Beijing Hutongs

Beijing people say that real Chinese culture lies in old Hutongs and their small courtyards. I'll take you through narrow labyrinth-like streets to get a feeling of authentic Chinese life off the tourist paths. 

You'll go deep into the oldest part of my city and get an insight into ordinary Beijingers' lifestyles. Due to the interlacement of the lanes, every house here has a joint wall with others, making it easy for residents to keep in touch with each other. You'll feel how deep and warm are relationships between neighbors. 

 We'll walk around the most famous Hutong in Beijing – Yandaixiejie & Hou Hai, which started its history at the end of the Qing Dynasty. There were many smoking pipe stores on the street, including Shuangshengtai. The store owner put a 1.5-meter-high (5-feet-high) wooden smoking pipe in front of the store as a sign. As time went by, the street was known by the whole city for its giant smoking pipe, hence its name. Some people also say that the road looks like a smoking pipe. I'll share exciting stories about this authentic place and its residents. 

 We'll explore Houhai (meaning "Back Sea"), a large artificial lake in northern downtown. Traditional Hutongs and courtyards characterize the time-honored Houhai area. Wandering around these old buildings, you will inevitably think of the old lifestyle and the life experience of these people.