Hutongs are narrow streets and also Beijing's most traditional living area. It is made up of many small back alleys intricately linked to form a whole network of siheyuans, where up to date, still live a number of residents. There are many hutongs spread across the city, and the more touristy ones can be found in the Houhai area. The one that we went to was left almost in its original state, ancient and just a little broken.
There were all sorts of bustle and activities that took place along the alleys, but that day was not the day to be exploring hutongs. We were there to visit Xq's pastor who was living in one of the units. I wish i had taken more shots.
Quaint little bookstore
That day also marked the day I had my first go at Beijing's very local fare - Ma La Tang. It is like steamboat, but the soup base is very spicy. As the name goes, numbing spicy soup!
Authentic Beijing food prepared by the pastor
1 comment:
The Hutongs look very quaint & old. It can be an eye opener, too, as you get a peek into how people lived in the past. Make you appreciate all the modern trappings of today. Must see them when I visit soon.
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