Beijing courtyard is a typical outcome of Beijing culture. Houses on four sides circle one yard in the center, and people living there can both have an individual space and enjoy the happiness of family reunion. With the development and construction of Beijing metropolis, large-scale courtyards are disappearing gradually. Only a few of such ancient styled courtyards are preserved for old Beijing citizens and travelers to find the fading old Beijing culture.

Shichahai, formed by Front Sea, Back Sea and West Sea, is considered to be the literal path of Beijing capital, and it is the most beautiful place outside the imperial city with richest cultural atmosphere. Hutongs and courtyards in this region used to be the best residential area in old Beijing. Now, Shichahai is the most concentrated place of hutongs and courtyards.
Prince Gong’s Mansion is the most complete and best preserved mansions of a prince of Qing Dynasty, and it was once the mansion of the super rich corrupt official, He Shen in Qing Dynasty.
Pipe Slanting Street is the most hustling and bustling place of Back Sea. The street is full of the smell of old courtyards, cafes and fashion boutiques.

South Luogu Lane stretches 1000m southward, and eight hutongs are directed symmetrically in the west and east sides like a centipede, so it is also named Centipede Street. Hutongs in this place are well painted gray looking clear and clean. The residential house are all with gray bricks and green tiles. Comparing with the majestic prince’s mansion, these simple residences appear a different flavor. As some drama theaters locate there, it could be said to be the place of the strongest drama flavor. Dozens of bars are opened in recent years, and a new bar street has gradually established.
No.13 in Black Sesame Hutong is the most famous and featured architecture in Centipede Street. It is a typical courtyard including 5 yards.

Old Drum Tower Street is adjacent to the buzzing Back Sea and the tranquil Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and many courtyards spread around the Drum Tower. The street is the oldest hutong constructed during Yuan Dynasty, and it has experienced the heart-broken street-expanding project. Some styled bars and restaurants are located there.

No trip to Beijing is complete and perfect without visiting the featured hutongs and courtyards. When you plan your China Beijing holiday, don’t forget to add hutong and courtyard tour as an essential itinerary. The best way to experience the flavor of old Beijing is renting a bicycle or take a rickshaw, and your journey to China would be more impressive http://www.chinatouronline.com/china-tours/index.html.