Doncheng District in Beijing used to be full of hutong neighborhoods, unfotunately many have disappeared and many more are threatened. The Government has recently realized that these neighborhoods are a vital link to the tangible history of old Beijing, and trying to preserve many of the remaining ones.
The area north of The Forbidden City, on the edge of the dongcheng district, running parallel to th north side of the line 2 subway route is full of great hutongs. the eastern end near Gulou is full of renovated hutongs that house shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and even hotels. The West end, over by Yonghegong Temple and Beixinqiao are less renovated residential hutongs, which a re great for a quiet stroll and glimpse of traditional life.