My Life FIRST | Exploring Hutongs with a Beijing Local, Baishun Hutong

📍Location: Dashilan, Xicheng District, Beijing 🚗Transportation: Shared bikes are convenient for travel 👍️Must-visit Spot: Baishun Hutong, originally named Baishu Hutong, is located in the southwest of the Dashilan area. It is 245 meters long and 5.7 meters wide. In the Ming Dynasty, it was called Baishu Hutong because of the cypress trees planted there. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Baishun Hutong, meaning 'everything goes smoothly' due to its homophonic sound. Baishun Hutong initially housed the Taiping Guild Hall and the Jintai Guild Hall. Most of the guild halls were later converted into residences. The Shanxi Taiping Guild Hall was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and was initially called the Taiping Guild Hall, later renamed the Taiping Examination Hall. The famous bibliophile Li Wenzao from Yidu, Shandong, once lived in the hall. During the Xianfeng period, the hall was moved to Wangguangfu Xiejie and renamed 'Taiping Examination Hall.' The hall plaque was made of large bluestone. Among the eight major hutongs, Baishun Hutong is the most famous. The historical evolution of each courtyard is also quite complex, with many courtyards changing hands multiple times since their construction. Some old residents cannot clearly explain their origins. 🎟️Ticket Information: No reservation, no tickets required 💗Other Tips: The southern city retains more of the old Beijing flavor.