Culture / Winter at the Hutongs

Hutongs are old courtyard houses in Beijing, surrounding the Forbidden City. In the ancient days, these are dwelling places of court officials and merchants who apparently supplied provisions to the palace. Today, many of these hutongs have been converted into trendy cafes, bars, art galleries and restaurants. I particularly like walking among them after a snow fall in winter, the bright red wooden door in stark contrast to the grey dull walls and white fluffy snow.