Liu Hai Hutong: A hutong named after a man

In fact, there was such a person in the past. In the Ming Dynasty this alley was called Liu Han hutong and was changed to Liuhai Hutong in Emperor Qianlong’s reign. Unfortunately, nobody knows who Liu Han really was. However, there is another interesting story around this hutong. It is said that Wenxiu, wife of the Last Emperor Puyi lived here with the emperor after they got married.

Places to visit around here: Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, Xinhua Department Store, Joy Inn

Nearby bus stops: Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府), Changqiao Lukoudong (厂桥路口东), Changqiao Lukouxi (厂桥路口西), Jiangyangfang (蒋养房).

Address: Xicheng District (Begins from Songshu Street and ends at Deshengmennei Street)

Qudeng (Match) Hutong: A hutong name based on Beijing dialect

Old Beijingers call match qudenger, which literally means getting the lamp. In fact, the meaning of it is match, which is used to make a fire.

Why do we speak of this hutong? The specialty of it is the original match was invented here. In the past some people in Beijing only worked to make fires for others. After more and more people started their businesses in this field, the hutong finally got today’s name. In the Republic of China, more and more match factories were built and finally qudeng firms were replaced.

Address: Xicheng District, Beijing