"Hutongs once dominated the city, but in recent years many have been leveled in the name of modernization." ~ TIME

If you made me choose my favorite experience in Beijing it would be our stay in a...

Walking the small lanes of "our" hutong...

allowed us to live among the locals...

and hang out near their Drum Tower and Bell Tower...

and explore the neighborhood as night falls.

Our lovely hotel offers standard rooms near the restaurant (discussed in a later post)... 

Photo credit:  Orchid Hotel

and refurbished hutong homes a few minutes walk away.

We loved everything about The Orchid.

Meanwhile...the Hutongs provide a very walkable area to get out and explore.

Not always true in other areas of Beijing.

The vibe is welcoming...

and random...

but not surprising.