The Hutong, an old-style city alley or lane, is one of the most distinctive features and must-see attractions in Beijing. There are thousands of hutongs in the city, many of which were built during the Yuan (1206-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Here are the top 10 most famous hutongs all travelers to the capital city shouldn't miss in order to get a better experience of the unique culture of ancient Beijing.

10. Bada Hutong

Bada Hutong, located in the Xicheng District, literally means the "eight great" hutongs. [tripdv. com]

Bada Hutong, which literally means the "eight great" hutongs, consists of Baishun, Yanzhi, Hanjia, Shaaxixiang, Shitou, Wangguangfuxiejie, Zhujia, Lishamao and several other hutongs. They are situated closely around the bustling Dashila area of Xicheng district.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Bada Hutong was notorious as the city's biggest "red light district", housing more than 2,000 brothels. The structure of each brothel varied, and all were different from ordinary houses. After 1949, many brothels were turned into hotels and/or residences.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Dashila, Qianmen Street, Liulichang

Getting there: Bus 5, 23, 34, 48, 57, 715 to Hufangqiaolukoudong.

9. Ju'er Hutong

Ju'er Hutong is located in the northwest of Dongcheng district. [qqread. com]

Located in northwest Dongcheng district, Ju'er Hutong is bordered by Jiaodaokou South Road to the east and Nanluoguxiang to the west. It was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and is more than 400 meters long.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Ju'er Hutong was a gathering place for people of the Xiang Huang Division (an upper class group of the eight divisions commanded by the emperor). And No. 3, 5 and 7 houses are the former residence of Rong Lu, a provincial governor and right-hand man of Empress Dowager Cixi.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Nanluoguxiang, Yonghegong Lama Temple

Getting there: Bus 104, 108, 113, 612, 758 to Jiaodaokounan.