About the Name Hutong

Hutong School gathers people with a real interest in China. Although the Middle Kingdom is quickly changing into a critical hub of the modern world, traces of its ancient history still remain. Hutong School's first branch was founded in Beijing in 2005. Beijing's landscape is a typical illustration of the continuous interaction between the swell of the past and the waves of modernity. Skyscrapers made of glass border the traditional neighborhoods of those narrow lanes called "Hutong" (胡同). These "Hutong" are the source of traditional Chinese living and characterized by the "Siheyuan", traditional Chinese courtyards.

Hutongs are narrow alleys which were very typical in Beijing starting from the Yuán (元) Dynasty. The word “hútòng” also has a Mongolian origin, and does not have any meaning in Chinese, at least not one that makes any sense. However, Hutongs are a unique feature of Beijing city, a symbol of the typical Old Beijing's culture. You can still see many Hutongs in the old city, but unfortunately they are rapidly vanishing...

The Hutong School founders shared a similar passion for Beijing’s traditional culture. In order to provide participants with an authentic Chinese immersion they decided to renovate a traditional Chinese courtyard in the historic center of Beijing.

Nowadays, Hutong School in Beijing is located in the Sanlitun area, Beijing's lively business district.

For more information about our different branches in China please check our locations page.