Beijing is famous for it's Hutongs. These are the tight alleyways of the old city. The last 50 years has not been kind to these historic streets and the buildings around them. During the population boom of the 50's, 5 families were often allocated to a courtyard home that had previously belonged to only 1. Of course, now they are being torn down to make way for high rise apartments and offices. But still, they make for interesting little jaunt. Yes, now it is cold and bitter, but in the warm days of August I decided to go for a little ride. With streets so tight, a car is a bit of a nuisance... A bike, by far is the best way to tour the hutongs.
First let me say that not ALL Hutongs are being torn down, some are being refurbished and turned into swanky courtyard residents for new capitalists....just like they originally were. The favorite ride of the construction workers ding these renovations? You got it! Roadsters! Above you can see several lounging around a construction site. The first is in front of a new brick carving or rather dubious quality, in my opinion.The large headed man, deer and boy in the carving all represent longevity.
In this company, my Flying Pigeon doesn't look too out of place...except it is way too clean and has never been used to haul masonry.
But, no time to linger. I keep on pushing on to the Bell and Drum Towers. These edifices were the time pieces of the city during the Ming and Qing dynastys. Monks in one tower would beat drums to tell time. In the other tower is a massive bell for the more significant hour strikes.
Of course, my Pigeon wasn't the only pedal powered vehicle in the area. This area is heavily touristed. That means rickshaws!
Finally, I duck back into the hutongs for the ride back home. One last picture of a Phoenix at rest outside a courtyard door. It's a good coda. Together they symbolize the aspirations of generations.
Cool, those Hutongs remind me of the maze of back alleys and narrow streets in Cairo. I don't know about the Hutongs in Beijing but a person could get really lost in those types of passages in Cairo. That was always a good way to spend an afternoon while at the same time finding a parallel universe. I once found a magic shop that really sold lizard tails, bat eyes and such just as an example of the weird things one could encounter in such a journey.
Posted by: Erik | January 25, 2010 at 12:49 AM
You had a nice Hutong Tour.Nice pictures!
Posted by: beijing rental cars | January 26, 2010 at 06:12 PM