Autumn in Beijing: A Gentle Whisper of History in the Depths of Hutongs

Beijing's autumn has a unique charm. It's not just the faint scent of fallen leaves in the air, but also the tranquility and depth that belong solely to this ancient city. In this city full of historical traces, there are three places worth exploring: the hutongs, Prince Gong's Mansion, and the Former Residence of Lao She. Together, they weave a poem about the past. Hutongs: Imprints of Time in the Autumn Breeze Beijing's hutongs are like an open history book, recording the city's past page by page. On autumn mornings, sunlight filters through sparse tree branches, casting a soft glow on the cobblestone paths. Walking into any hutong, you can feel the gentle touch of time. The benches under old locust trees, the street vendors' calls, and every doorplate hides a story, waiting for someone with a keen heart to listen. Prince Gong's Mansion: A Royal Dream in Autumn Colors Prince Gong's Mansion, located in the heart of Beijing, was once the residence of Heshen and later became the home of Prince Gong. In autumn, the ginkgo leaves turn golden, dressing this century-old mansion in festive attire. Strolling through it, you can clearly feel the breath of history. The exquisite carvings and ancient furnishings seem to be telling stories of that era. Former Residence of Lao She: The Spiritual Hall of a Literary Giant Speaking of Mr. Lao She, one cannot ignore his former residence in Beijing. Located in a courtyard on Dengshikou West Street in Dongcheng District, it is where he wrote many famous works such as "Rickshaw Boy" and "Four Generations Under One Roof." Every brick and tile here is filled with the breath of life, showcasing the most authentic side of old Beijing. In autumn, sitting here for a moment might inspire your imagination and help you feel the warmth and coldness of human relationships depicted in Lao She's writings. Travel Tips Walking through Hutongs: Start from Nanluoguxiang and walk north along the hutongs. You'll pass many interesting shops and art spaces along the way. Visiting Prince Gong's Mansion: It's best to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds and better enjoy the tranquility. Former Residence of Lao She: Check the opening hours and ticket prices online in advance, and try to avoid school holidays to enjoy an uninterrupted reading time. Autumn in Beijing is a long poem, and the hutongs, Prince Gong's Mansion, and the Former Residence of Lao She are the most moving chapters. Why not pick up your camera and capture these moments, making this unique sentiment an eternal memory in your heart.