Humanistic Charm

Residential Life Scenes: In the hutongs, you can capture the daily lives of residents, such as elderly people chatting and playing chess at their doorsteps, or sunbathing and preparing vegetables in their courtyards, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of old Beijing. For example, in Dongsi Hutong, you can often see residents relaxing under old locust trees.

Traditional Craftsmen: Some hutongs may have traditional craftsmen making dough figurines, sugar figurines, or paper cuttings. Capturing their focused creations and their exquisite handicrafts can document the traditional skills of old Beijing.

Unique Shops: Hutongs like Wudaoying have many artsy cafes, bars, and handicraft workshops, while Yangmeizhu Xiejie has retro bookstores and coffee-book bars. You can photograph the shop signs, windows, interior layouts, or people relaxing in the shops, reflecting the artistic atmosphere of the hutongs.

Historical Buildings:

Western-style architecture in Dongjiaomin Lane: Dongjiaomin Lane was once the embassy district and retains a large number of Western-style buildings of various styles, such as remnants of bunkers, fragments of boundary walls, and hitching posts in the British barracks stables. These architectural remains are full of historical vicissitudes and are excellent subjects for photography.

The brick pagoda in Zhuan Ta Hutong: Zhuan Ta Hutong is named after the brick pagoda at its eastern entrance. This brick pagoda is a landmark of one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Combined with the surrounding old Beijing buildings, it offers opportunities for charming and evocative photos.

Hutong Street Scenes:

Dappled Light and Shadow in the Alleys: In the early morning or evening, sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground and walls of the hutongs. Photographing the hutongs at this time creates a tranquil and warm atmosphere. Hutongs like Caochang Hutong and Lanman Hutong are excellent choices.

Gray Bricks and Tiles with Greenery: The gray bricks and tiles of Beijing’s hutongs are a distinctive feature. Combined with ivy climbing the walls and loofah vines under the eaves, they are full of life and natural beauty. For example, in spring, the rooftops of every house on Yangmeizhu Xiejie are covered in greenery, making it very photogenic.