Hutongs (胡同) - 52

During China’s dynastic period, emperors planned the city of Beijing

and arranged the residential areas according to the social classes of

the Zhou Dynasty (1027 - 256 BC). The term "hutong", originally

meaning "water wells", appeared first during the Yuan Dynasty, and it

is believed to be a term of Mongol language origin. In the Ming

Dynasty (early 15th century) the center was the Forbidden City,

surrounded in concentric circles by the Inner City and Outer City.

Citizens of higher social status were permitted to live closer to the

center of the circles. Aristocrats lived to the east and west of the

imperial palace. The large siheyuan of these high-ranking officials

and wealthy merchants often featured beautifully carved and painted

roof beams and pillars and carefully landscaped gardens. The hutongs

they formed were orderly, lined by spacious homes and walled gardens.

Farther from the palace, and to its north and south, were the

commoners, merchants, artisans, and laborers.

Very interesting documentary shot and educational description, thanks for sharing.