Hutong

Hutongs are narrow alleys surrounded by traditional courtyard houses, and they are one of the most distinctive features of old Beijing. Walking through them offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the city and its rich history — a side of Beijing that feels personal, alive, and full of stories. It's the perfect place to stay if you're interested in local culture, vernacular architecture, or how the communities of old Beijing lived. Instead of spending our entire budget and staying at a standard hotel in central Beijing, we decided to stay in the Hutongs (you'll find accommodation recommendations at the end of this post). Essentially, the Hutongs are the suburbs of Beijing where the local residents lived. We really enjoyed staying here, as it gave us an insight into life in Beijing.