From the lane to the home
Doors, walls and turns create a gradual transition from shared neighbourhood space to private family life.
Beijing’s lanes and courtyard homes
How do hutongs and siheyuan fit together?
A hutong can mean a narrow lane and the neighbourhood around it. A siheyuan is a courtyard home reached from those lanes. The lane connects households with the wider community, while the courtyard provides a more private space for family life. Together, they help explain how Beijing’s neighbourhoods work.
Daily life around Shichahai
Visitors come for the lakes and historic streets, while residents still work, return home and meet neighbours in the surrounding lanes.
Stories from living here
We’ll share changes the family has seen in the neighbourhood and explain how they connect with the homes and streets around us. These are the experiences of this family and this part of Beijing.
Walking with care
The route depends on the weather, mobility needs and neighbourhood conditions. Please respect residents, doorways and personal conversations when taking photos.