The Disappearing Hutongs of Beijing

In the 1950s, Beijing was home to around 6,000 hutongs, the city’s iconic narrow alleys and courtyard neighborhoods. Today, only a few hundred remain, as most have been demolished to make way for modern skyscrapers that now define Beijing’s skyline. Each hutong is a living ecosystem, shaped by its residents, small shops, schools, and generations of memories. Every year, more of these historic districts are razed, erasing the city’s residential heritage and the vibrant street life that once thrived there. ​ During my visit to Beijing in March 2025, I witnessed this ongoing transformation firsthand. As I walked through the remaining hutongs, I felt the weight of their decay and saw elderly residents struggling to hold onto their homes. Through these photographs, I hope to share the story of Beijing’s disappearing hutongs - a story of resilience, loss, and the urgent need to preserve the soul of the city.