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The Hutong, literally means narrow streets in Mangolian. It is actually century old residential areas where the officials and well to do resided. The 'stubs' above the main entry, which is always situated at the southeastern corner, indicates the status of the owners.
In China, only this Hutong remains, the other have been destroyed by natural disasters or the past wars.
Beijing is now protecting the Hutong as a world's heritage. Some are owned by families while other's are state owned. The siheyuan (the abode) consists of a courtyard surrounded by a number of rooms and finally by tall walls which results in the narrow streets.
A few generations can live together in a home, resulting in a strong community and family orientation
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