Nan Luo Gu Xiang, one of the best preserved historical areas in downtown has a history of over 800 years. It is famous for its hutong, siheyuan courtyards, and various handicraft shops.
This 768-meter-long south-north central lane, which was built in the same period that the capital of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), has 16 hutong branching off the central lane, giving each side 8 hutong.
The alley NLGX itself is a north-south street, with dozens of side streets shooting off to the east and west. These side streets are where traditional locals live; some have been there for generations. The main street itself houses bars, restaurants, cafes and shops and is meant to be the core, or spine, of the community. Naturally, Nanluoguxiang has been restored from it's original form many times, but the taste of old Beijing remains.
Here, four colours with pattern represents four different meanings within NanLuoGuXiang. Tourist and native will easily tell the meaning of buildings by the colour using here.