Hutong

Hutong - the 'old city' neighborhoods of narrow alleyways and courtyard gardens.

Our first pedicab tour is the recommended way to visit these historic narrow alleyways. Most of them have been bulldozed to make way for new apartments.

In previous times this Hutong, close to the Forbidden Palace, was the home for the administrators that were employed by the Emperor.

This historic area is now protected, well maintained and the housing is at an 'up market' price. All the houses are built around a courtyard, and are designed for multi generations.

Our tour took us to one of the courtyard houses, a different one is open each day for visits by the tourists. The owner of the house we visited is standing on the left, the other 2 ladies are members of his family. They live part of their time in Vancouver.

The house and courtyard are set up with the best house and best location for sun and weather being occupied by the senior generation. Younger generations have the less desirable houses. The courtyard and kitchen are common areas.

The best house always has it's back wall to the North...protection from the winter winds. Hutong nearly always run east-west to ensure that the main gate faces South, satisfying feng shui requirements. This South facing aspect guarantees a lot of sunshine and protection from more negative forces from the North. It is all built on a grid pattern.

On our pedicab return trip runs along a canal connecting the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.