Another insider tip: The Royal Icehouse. During the Qing Dynasty, it was used to store ice, and later by government officials to keep seafood.

In 2008, it was renovated by Mr. Wang to a fine dining restaurant. But the business doesn’t come easy.

To the foreign visitor, the hutongs can be like a jungle.

That’s why it’s important to be equipped with a guide book and a map.

In Beijing's traditional hutong alleyways, many old courtyards and houses are getting a face lift these days. [CNTV]

Another Beijing favourite is this one. Mercedes-Benz for example has picked this tucked away place for a team lunch.

But although customers from all walks of life come here, expanding the business proves challenging for the owner.

Food experts meanwhile say the redesign of the hutongs goes far beyond the culinary experience.

Hutongs can be traced back to the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century.

Preservationists urge that government needs to do much more to stop their destruction in modern times.

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