Baishun Hutong

The layout of Bada Hutong is like a centipede with one trunk joining the other alleys together. The alleys are all connected with each other, so there are no dead ends. Most of the residents here are native Beijing people. They still live in the old courtyard together with different families, which is one feature of the old Beijing lifestyle. The living environment is very comfortable and simple.

Baishun Hutong is of 804 feet (245 meters) long and 19 feet (5.7 meters) wide. This alley was named Cypress (Baishu) in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD). Among the eight great alleys, this one is the most famous one, for there were two distinctive constructions built on it: Taiping Guild Hall and Jintai Guild Hall. Now, the two halls are transformed to ordinary courtyard dwellings.