A hutong is a type of narrow alleyway, where Chinese families have been living for generations. It's a symbol of the traditional culture of Beijing.

But China's rapid development has meant that many of the old hutongs in Beijing have disappeared. Residents have left for apartment buildings with modern amenities. Many people today know almost nothing about the history and culture of the hutongs.

Gates in hutongs also have their own symbolic language, and it's not easy to decode.

Traditionally, some doors were only for people with high social status. Some were for businessmen. And some were for ordinary people. So the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) recently organized a special activity: paint your own model of the Hutong gate.

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