The evolution and space patterns of hutongtels in Beijing historic districts

摘要

Hutongtels have become a favorite tourism product for domestic and international tourists to Beijing. This research defines the hutongtel as a city tourism product using previous descriptions of various types of specialist accommodations. Through site inspections and interviews, the history of hutongtel development in Beijing is explained in four stages: infancy (1980s), stagnation (1990-2000), rejuvenation (2001-2005) and rapid growth (2006 and after). The spatial distribution pattern of hutongtels in Beijing's historic districts is identified and visualized by quadrat analysis and kernel density estimation. The two highest agglomerations of hutongtels were in the Dongsi (东西) and Nanluoguxiang Lane (南锣鼓巷) Blocks. The four other highest agglomerations were in the Xisi (西四), Shichahai Lake (什刹海), Dashila (大栅栏) and Dongdan Beidajie (东单北大街) Blocks. All six agglomerations are located in authorized historic streets of old Beijing.