The lanes have their own layout and structure, and when viewed from the air the combination of the lanes and courtyards resemble a chessboard with delicate gardens, fine rockeries and ancient ruins this makes them a wonder in the world. Because of the cross interlacement of the lanes every houses connected to the other, making it easy for local people to keep in touch with their neighbors. Therefore, once one enters any of the lanes, one can feel the deep and warm relationships among people, which is rarely found in this modern world.

In the Yuan Dynasty, Mongolians attached great importance to water, so almost every community in the city was designed around a well, which provided the daily water for the locals. Until now, one can still find dry wells in some old alleys.

In the past, Beijing was composed of hundreds of courtyards around the Forbidden City, and these lanes stretched out in all four directions, connecting the different kinds of courtyards in the city. Although originally formed in the Yuan Dynasty, the building of the these developed fast during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). In the Yuan Dynasty, there were about 29 Hutongs, while in the Ming Dynasty, this number increased to 1,070. In the Qing Dynasty, it grew to 2,076. It is said that by 1949 there were as many as 3,250. But with the passage of time, and the requirement for city construction, the number of them has fallen dramatically. In 2003, only 1,500 were left, and now no more than 1,000 remain. Thus, protecting them is an urgent problem for modern people.

People say that the real culture of Beijing is the culture of the Hutong and Courtyards. How true that is. They attract more tourists from home and abroad than the high-rise buildings and large mansions.

Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning water well. At nine meters (about 30 feet) wide, it is the name given to a lane or small street that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). Now they have become representatives of local culture, thus it is the first choice for people who would like to learn about the local history and culture.

 Transportation
1. Take bus 7, 14, 15, 66 or 70 and get off at Liulichang Station.
2. Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station, get out of the station from Exit D1 or D2 (southwest exit), and walk south for 600 yards (550m).
 Beijing Bus / Subway Search
 

 Changdian and Haiwangcun Park
The noisiest place you may find in the street is Changdian in its south. Since the Ming Dynasty, a large temple fair had been held for the first 16 days of the Spring Festival (Lunar Jan.1 - Jan.16). It became a custom to stroll in the fair during the Chinese New Year. Now, this characteristic festival has been resumed after many years' decline since the end of Qing Dynasty. There is still another line of scenery in this area. Beside a branch shop of China Bookshop is the old relics of Haiwangcun Park. Built in 1917, it was the centre of bazaar and the busiest place in Changdian. Many kinds of trades were carried out here such as the metallic works, stones and curios, calligraphy, painting, photography and musical instruments. The park was also decorated with many spectacular buildings like water features, pavilions and stone carving arches. The reconstruction of the relics of the park is presently at work.

Beijing Opera Remains
Liulichang Cultural Street also had often been selected as the platform for the performance of Beijing Opera. These show buildings and assembly halls now become a bright sight of the culture of this street. This soil has nurtured many opera superstars such as the well-known Mei Lanfang, around here you can still find the former residence relics of some of them.

 Guanfu Classic Art Museum
As the first private museum in our country, it was opened in 1997, with displays of about 50 porcelains from the late Ming Dynasty as well as old-fashioned furniture, carpets and costumes and others of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There you can not only appreciate the art works but also feel the history better.

The local Municipal government has planned to invest much capital in the repair of the street. It is expected to be the earliest, largest and most aesthetic collection place of artware and a good tourist choice for the appreciation of the ancient capital.

 Rongbaozhai and China Bookshop
It is the most famous shop in Liulichang Cultural Street. Built in the early years of Qing Dynasty, it now particularly sells authentic calligraphy and paintings of both ancient and modern authors in China. It is also well-known for an expert copy technique; the products from this method cannot be easily distiguished from the original. Another also reputed across the country is the China Bookshop, where you can buy block-printed editions and hand-copied books of the ancient times.

If you have a favor with curios, calligraphy, painting or other artwork in China, Liulichang Cultural Street is a must see when you travel in Beijing. It literally means the Colored Glaze Factory Culture Street, and also known as Liulichang Antique Street.

 Recommended Itineraries: 
One Day Visit: Qianmen Street - Dashilar Street - Liulichang Cultural Street - Nanluo Guxiang Hutong
Xinhua Road Biking: from South Xinhua Road and end at Liulichang Cultural Street
More Beijing Tours