Beijing
Hutong Introduction
Hutong
is a kind of typical ancient city alley in Beijing. Many of them were
built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties surrounding
the Forbidden City. During these dynasties, the emperors planned
the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette
systems of the Zhou Dynasty to establish supreme power.
History
of Hutong
Before Jin dynasty (in the 12 century), there were no Hutongs in Beijing,
just streets, roads and district. In the early 13 century, a Mongolian tribe from the north became very strong. Led by Genghis Khan, the Mongolians
occupied Beijing. In 1260, Kubla Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan
established Yuan Dynasty. Kubla Khan set Beijing as the capital city.
Unfortunately, the old city was destroyed during the war. So they had
to rebuild it. In old China, all the structures and roads were required
to be symmetrical. First, they had to find a center, and then built
a regular square city. After construction was completed, they asked
all the residents who lived in the old city to move to the new one.
Thus the Hutong was formed.
Beijing Tour Routes Includes Hutong
Photo of Beijing Hutong
|