Fulfilling a Beijing courtyard dream

Winter, when it snowed, became a particularly beautiful time, as in January 2001. I loved to awaken and discover the garden covered in white under the blue Beijing sky. Somehow it reminded me of traditional paintings I had come upon of Beijing in earlier days. Then, I would quickly head off with my camera trying to capture the scenes in the hutong, for the snow would surely soon disappear. It seemed to dampen any sounds, creating a feeling of walking almost in silence, broken occasionally by a passing bicycle cart.

My courtyard experience proved an ideal base to immerse myself within the hutong culture of the early city and to contemplate and study the various influences on design, layout and, indeed, even the hierarchical structure, where there were strict criteria regarding size, location and more. Doors were fascinating for they came in different sizes, but all were constructed to rules. It is best to visit somewhere such as today's extensive Beijing Capital Museum to understand the complexities and the significance of the exterior stone piers, or mudun, and much more.