Hutong Tour: time for the rickshaw to take you through the often narrow and zigzagging hutong alleyways

Hutongs - the latest hit among first-time foreign visitors in Beijing. As the capital moves on to modernize, hutongs are becoming rarer. The narrow, zigzagging, paths are not only the classic place of interest, but also the relics of ancient life style.

The hutong I visited this time is around Gulou, or drum tower. In the tour, I get to know more about Si He Yuan, and come across many artifact shops in the area.

As the narrow and zigzagging paths may really get you confused, you could call bicycle rickshaw ride to avoid being lost. The price for a ride around the hutongs is around RMB 80. 

Si He Yuan (Courtyard Surrounded on Four Sides) is the typical building structure within hutongs. Four houses consisting a rectangular shape with a courtyard in the middle is the typical of Si He Yuan. In ancient time, the house on the north is the main house, where the patriarch and the immediate family live. The extended family reside at the east and west houses. Servants live at house at the south end.

As I strolled along the Gulou street, I also saw many interesting cafes, restaurants, and shops. Zaoyuan Artifact Shop, for example, carries an amazing selection of ceramics, paintings, and classic furniture, while Han Gu Xuan offers calligraphic works on the spot. It also holds some antique vases that date back to Qing Dynasty. The owner himself is a famous calligrapher. Tips: before you reach out to your pocket, make sure to bargain really hard!!!