hkskyline's 2019 exploring Old Beijing

[hkskyline]

On a cold January morning, I ventured out with my winter gear to explore Beijing's hutongs once again. Having roamed around these alleys and neighbourhoods before, my better equipment this time would offer a refreshed look at these disappearing city scenes. Alternatively, some have become "Disney-fied" and are no longer authentic.



























The Drum Tower was originally built in 1272 and rebuilt several times since then. Today's structure dates from the late 1800s. While its timekeeping function ended in 1924, it is now open to the public as a tourist attraction.









Just to the north is the grey Bell Tower, which also had a timekeeping function until 1924. The 60-ton bell was once sounded with the drums for morning and night.







Nanluogu Xiang is a renovated hutong whose main street has been pedestrianized. It is an example of a "Disney-fied" historic neighbourhood. Venture onto the side streets leading from it for more quieter residential areas.





































More photos on my website : https://www.globalphotos.org/beijing.htm

[Murphy de la Sucre]

Damn those views are awesome, could be better without parking space

[xzmattzx]

Nice pictures. Is there a specific definition of a hutong? Is it just an old, traditional neighborhood? Or does it have to do with being single-family housing or something like that?

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by xzmattzx

Nice pictures. Is there a specific definition of a hutong? Is it just an old, traditional neighborhood? Or does it have to do with being single-family housing or something like that?

Just a narrow alley with single-storey dwellings. Families tend to live in one complex centred around a courtyard.

[muppet]

Beautiful neighbourhoods

[geomorph]

Originally Posted by hkskyline

This is my favorite shot in this selection, are these hutongs a desirable place to live?

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by geomorph

This is my favorite shot in this selection, are these hutongs a desirable place to live?

Not typically, as many older hutongs lack basic sanitation connection. However, some of the more touristy parts are somewhat renovated, if not razed altogether for more modern buildings.

[mrnyc]

awesome thread -- you can see where the traditional commercial japanese machi ya style came from.