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[tattoo]

Where should I go?

[jhf0551]

Where should I go?

For the majority of the tourists, Shichahai(什刹海) is the most popular place to see the hutongs, but I can't agree. I recommend hutongs around Qianmen(前门); Xisi(西四); Luogu Alley(锣鼓巷); and Caishikou(菜市口).

The hutongs around Qianmen are full of old shops and luxury houses of successful merchants. Especially in Changxiang(长巷), Caochang(草厂), and Yangmeizhu Street(杨梅竹斜街). Dashilanr Street(大栅栏) in this area is the most famous old business street in Beijing. You can take Subway Line 2 or bus routes 2, 5, 9, 20, 22, 44, 59, BRT-1 etc. and get off at Qianmen.

The 4-combinations in Xisi are used to be the property of Qing ministers. In the north part, there are eight alleys numbered 1st to 8th, while in the south part, there are several hutongs, such as Yangrou Hutong(羊肉胡同), Zhuanta Hutong(砖塔胡同) and Bingmasi Hutong(兵马司胡同). You can take Subway Line 2 and get off at Fuchengmen, or bus routes 13, 22, 42, 101, 102, 103, 105 and get off at Xisi.

There are many places of interests round Luogu Alley, such as former residence of Mao Dun, Wen Tianxiang's tomb, etc. You can take bus routes 13, 42, 115, 118 and get off at Luoguxiang.

Caishikou is famous not only for the Qing's execution place, but also for the numerous former clan associations. These associations have traditional houses used for the accommodation of the imperial examiners from certain provinces. Well known places in this area include former residence of Tan Sitong, former residence of Kang Youwei, Nanhai Clan Association (南海会馆), Fanyu Clan Association (番禺会馆), Zhongshan Clan Association (中山会馆), Huguang Clan Association (湖广会馆), etc. You can take Subway Line 2 and get off at Xuanwumen, or bus routes 5, 6, 102, 105, 109 and get off at Caishikou.

Edited by jhf0551, 17 January 2008 - 12:06 PM.