Hutong.

One thing that makes downtown Beijing very unique is its hutongs. Hutongs are ancient narrow alleys that twist and wind around each other, sometimes terminating in a courtyard lined with houses of tight-knit neighbors. Some are wide enough to fit a car (barely), while some are barely as wide as your shoulders. In these hutongs, you’ll find local cafes, food stalls, shops, homes, and friendly people that you’ll miss out on should you neglect these treasures. Sadly, as Beijing rapidly gentrifies, many of these hutongs are being bulldozed and repurposed, destroying an ancient part of the city’s soul.