HuTong Village

The Hutong Villages (胡同 Hútòng) of Beijing most represent the traditional housing of Chinese locals. Some of the streets in the Qianmen Hutong (前门胡同 Qiánmén hútòng) have a history around 500 years, with unchanged street layouts. The Qianmen area is undergoing aggressive restoration and gentrification that will continue through 2010. As a result some of the streets are blocked by construction. The Hutongs are the perfect place to get a glimps of Chinese daily life. The majority of Hutongs have been demolished to make space for modern buildings. For these reasons, the Hutongs are considered very valuable and are a popular tourist attraction. Rickshaws carrying tourists weave in and out of the narrow streets of the Hutong Village to give individuals an up-close look at these homes.


From within the Ricksahw - Looking out at the HuTong===


Our Group got to visit a Woman withing her home in the HuTong Village - this is the first time I'm in someone's house while in China!===


Our tour guide chooses her house because he says that she is the most easy going person he has ever met - I agree!===

I have a funny "HuTing" not "HuTong" story - will only tell to those who email!

:-)

Li Xin

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