Hutong

What is a Hutong? Narrow street/alley (around 30 ft wide) that is associated with northern Chinese cities Its an alley that are lined with siheyuan (courtyard residences) Hutongs are primarily seen in Beijing Iconic symbol of Chinese culture and architecture

History Hutong originated in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning “water well” Water was of great importance in the Yuan Dynasty Wells in alleys provided water for the residents 29 hutongs in the Yuan Dynasty Increased in number until 1949 with 3,250 in Beijing Decreased in number because of modern city projects Only 1,000 remain

Silk Alley

Silk Alley The literal meaning is ”beautiful water street” Shopping center that is located in Chaoyang District, Beijing 20,000 visitors a day on weekdays 60,000-50,000 visitors on the weekends 1,700 retail vendors and 3,000 salespeople

History Silk street opened in March 2005 replacing the Xiushui Market Xiushui Market which had around 410 stalls and sold mostly silk products and souvenirs In July 2004 an application for the demolition was filed by the Beijing Urban Planning Bureau and in January 2005 the order was given for the market to be closed However demolition did not happen and the market was reopened as Silk Street The market has expanded its scope on products and has stricter enforcement on intellectual property rights (IPR)

Temple of Heaven Pearl Market

Pearl Market It started as just a street market at the foot of Temple of Heaven In 1992 it was moved into a tall building In 1995, it opened formally as a Pearl Market Now it covers 30,000 square meters Sells over 10,000 brands Over a 1,000,000 people visit each year