Comments on: PHOTOESSAY – The disappearing hutongs of Beijing

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 19:24:36 +0000

In reply to Sand In My Suitcase. I worry, too, that they are vulnerable to developers in a society that has become so capitalistic.

By: Sand In My Suitcase

Sand In My Suitcase — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:08:22 +0000

These hutongs look really interesting! And we have to admit, we didn’t know about them before. Hopefully no more will be bull-dozed to make way for modern construction…

By: Antonio

Antonio — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 13:57:43 +0000

Excellent pictures… ! After 2 years living in here, I still get surprises every day!
Enjoy your travel guys! get into the local culture is the best way 🙂

http://www.spontasia.com/hutongs-life-in-beijing-china-hutongs-culture/

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:24:22 +0000

In reply to alison abbott. Yes, the Context Tour of the hutongs was great. Hope to use them in other countries, too~

By: alison abbott

alison abbott — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 21:46:34 +0000

I’ve taken two Context tours and think they do a great job incorporating the history of an area into the experience. Did you find the same on this tour Irene? I love the entrepreneurial spirit of using the buildings for new businesses and am glad to see that it is allowing some of the families to sustain the lifestyle of past generations.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 14:26:35 +0000

In reply to Anita @ No Particular Place To Go. Yes, living in the same place for generations fosters deep roots---something many Americans miss out on.

By: Anita @ No Particular Place To Go

Anita @ No Particular Place To Go — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 07:51:17 +0000

This was a very interesting post and a fascinating glimpse into an ancient way of living. It’s amazing to think of people living in this way for so many centuries, especially when compared to the American lifestyle of cross-country moves and long distance family ties.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:48:12 +0000

In reply to Suzanne Fluhr. Good question! It didn't feel intrusive at all but we tried to be respectful. Having a Chinese speaking guides was great, too. She knew where to take us and what to see.

By: Suzanne Fluhr

Suzanne Fluhr — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:34:16 +0000

The hutongs are a side of Beijing about which I knew virtually nothing before reading this blog post. Did you feel that you were intruding while walking though the neighborhood? I wouldn’t want to go without a guide who probably knows about which hulongs welcome tourists. Using Context Travel sounds like a good solution.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:29:36 +0000

In reply to Nancie. Sorry about the heat...especially in the kitchen! Must have been a memorable experience~

By: Nancie

Nancie — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:45:34 +0000

The hutongs are an interesting side of Beijing. I enjoyed meandering through them a few years ago in Beijing’s +40C summer heat! I took a great cooking class in one that has been totally renovated.

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 15:35:10 +0000

In reply to Irene S. Levine.

I was referring to the traditional Asian diet, which is much different than the Americanized version of Chinese food. http://bit.ly/1H0m3gr

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 12:43:01 +0000

In reply to Laura. I'm not sure of their diets but I know that a number of studies have associated longevity with strong social supports, like that found in the hutongs.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 01:10:27 +0000

It’s easy to stay in a hutong home using Airbnb. We did just that recently and it was a truly fascinating five day experience. I recommend Cindy’s place: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/128496