A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing, where hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming(1368-1628) and Qing(1644-1908) dynasties. One kind of hutong, usually referred to as the regular hutong, was near the palace to the east and west and arranged in orderly fashion along the streets. Most of the residents of these hutongs were imperial kinsmen and aristocrats. Another kind, the simple and crude hutong, was mostly located far to the north and south of the palace. The residents were merchants and other ordinary people.

We had the opportunity to visit two Hutongs, one for tea owned by the Minister of Coal and his wife (picture below, he was out of town), and a second one for lunch, prepared by the Minister of Health (his wife was out of town). Hmmm, could there be something going on here :)