Middle Kingdom Journeys

Old Beijing Exploration

Walking Tours

Treasure Hunt in Hutongs

Hutong (Simplified Chinese: 胡同; Traditional Chinese: 衚衕; Pinyin: hútòng) are narrow streets or alleys, most commonly associated with Beijing. The word "hutong" came from the Mongolian language about 700 years ago. According to research, it originates from the word "hottog" in Mongolian meaning "water well". Where there was a spring or well, there were residents. The word "hottog" became "hutong" after it was introduced into Beijing. Hutong means street, lane and alley, and is in fact the passage formed by lines of siheyuan, where most Beijing residents live. One hutong connects with another, and siheyuan connects with siheyuan, to form a block, and blocks join with blocks to form the whole city. Thus hutong means a passage between rows of siheyuan. The word hutong is also used to refer to traditional neighbourhoods where hutong form a maze.

This program is customized for student groups that are looking for educational opportunities during the trips. This program is consisted of two parts, for the first part; there will be a presentation or brief introduction on the history of Hutongs and Old Beijing. For the second half, the group will be divided into different sub-groups, with 8-10 tasks to be completed. The tasks might include picturing the symbolized building in certain areas; interviewing the locals to get necessary information; purchasing toys in the shops with small talks with the owner and get a good discount, etc. Students will gain great experience to practice Chinese language, a more vivid impression on the historical architectures, and the importance of team work will also be part of the program.

Heritage Tours