The five Hutong areas of Beijing (5)

Mao'er Hutong

Mao'er Hutong was originally called "Wenchang Palace Hutong" during the Ming Dynasty. The name changed when a hat workshop was opened during the Qing Dynasty. Mao'er Hutong is famous for its many old Siheyuan buildings; the traditional quadrangle dwellings and courtyards. For example, Mao'er Hutong No.7, No. 9 and No. 11 were the dwellings of Wen Yu, an imperial secretary in the late Qing Dynasty. Mao'er Hutong No.13 used to be the house of Feng Guozhang, the leader of the Northern Warlords. No. 35 and No.37 used to serve as the home for the parents of Wanrong, the last queen of the Qing Dynasty. Mao'er Hutong No. 45 served as the admiral office also in Qing Dynasty. The area is alive with a sense of history.