One of Beijing’s most distinctive urban features, hutongs have long been at the heart of the capital’s unique local culture. This walk explores the past, present and future of the hutongs, Beijing’s network of historic alleyways, while also visiting essential landmarks along the edge of the old city. The walk takes you through the neighborhoods of Dengshikou and Dongsi where many of Old Peking's elite lived and worked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You'll discuss the lives of missionaries, scientists, diplomats, ministers, and Hua Guofeng, the successor to Chairman Mao. You'll also look at daily life in the hutong neighborhoods of Beijing and learn about the evolution of these spaces and what the future development of the city means for the preservation these areas. You will also visit the Zhihua Temple and see a performance of Ming Dynasty court music performed on traditional instruments.