The disappearing hutongs of Beijing

The hutongs of Beijing offer a stark contrast and look-back in this now vertical city filled with dazzling skyscrapers. These are a labyrinth of narrow, tree-lined streets and alleys called hutongs. Hutongs have a long history, unique culture and charm. Until the mid 20th century most Beijing people lived in hutongs, but today only a few hundred remain, with many demolished to make way for high rise development and roads. I was so saddened. All that history simply gone, and with it the remaining vestiges of charm once associated with Old Beijing.