Ronald G. KNAPP

Aerial view of a hutong alleyway in Beijing. The term hutong refers to the narrow lanes and alleys (which have become increasing maze-like), in cities of north China. PHOTO BY JOAN LEBOLD COHEN.
Hutong are the narrow lanes and alleys (as well as the neighborhoods formed by them) in cities of north China. Hutong have become iconic symbols of Beijing, once an imperial capital and today an international city undergoing