Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang is a famous alley with a profound historical and cultural heritage, and it is also one of Beijing's oldest neighborhoods, still completely preserving the unique texture of Yuan Dynasty hutong courtyards, making it a resource-rich traditional checkerboard-style residential area. On its east and west sides, Nanluoguxiang has 16 hutongs neatly arranged in a fishbone pattern. When viewed from above, the entire area resembles a centipede, hence it is also known as Centipede Street. The formation of Nanluoguxiang can be traced back to the construction period of Dadu City in the Yuan Dynasty. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, this area was the garrison for the Bordered Yellow Banner; from the late Guangxu period to the Xuantong period, it was reclassified as part of the Inner Left Third District; and during the Republic of China period, it became part of the Inner Fifth District. Nanluoguxiang once gathered many high-ranking officials and cultural celebrities, not only perfectly preserving numerous historic hutongs and courtyards with grey bricks and tiles, but also accumulating a profound humanistic and historical heritage due to the former residences of famous people.