Visiting anytown USA, you will likely arrive at either Broadway or Main Street. Life is a little more complicated in the capital of the Middle Kingdom. Beijing once had thousands of alleys formed between rows of courtyard homes. Those alleys, called "Hutong" in Chinese, had some important social functions.

As Beijing marches along to modernization, the number of Hutongs dwindled. By some estimates only a few hundred remain in existence today. Some sigh at the passing of a leisurely lifestyle while others feel indifferent as long as there is a bigger place to live. Is this a necessary price to pay for improved living conditions?

If you have spare time, you owe it to youself a stroll in these alleys. You may be pleasantly surprised. Check our website or your guide book for suggested routes. Guided walking tour with or without interpretation may also be scheduled. Please e-mail richard@walkbeijing.com to inquire.