1.Culture events:

Hutongs

Even though the city wasn't symmetrical, it promoted the development of the economy. In the inner city, all the places were designed for their functions. For instance, the Forbidden City was the court, and behind it was the market. The left side of the center was the place to worship ancestors, while the right side was for worshipping all kinds of gods.

Anecdotes about Huabiao

Huabiao, as something typical Chinese, is actually an ornamental or symbolic column erected in front of palaces, bridges, city gates, tombs or other places. They used to be made of wood, hence their other name--Huabiaomu. They were difficult to preserve, however, and the Haubiao we see today are mostly made of marble.

Archway (Pailou)

The pailou, also known as paifang, is an archway of a memorial or decorative nature. It could be made of wood, brick or stone, with or without glazed tiles, often carrying some inscriptions on the middle beam.

Chinese Stone Lions

Lion is a special animal to Chinese people. A pair of stone lions, a male and a female, can often be seen in front of the gates of traditional buildings. The male lion is on the left with his right paw resting on a ball, and the female on the right with her left paw fondling a cub.

Siheyuan in Beijing

Dwelling compounds or quadrangles (Siheyuan) in Beijing are one important aspect of the city's architectural heritage. Beijing's dwelling compounds are generally rectangular, with the four sides squarely facing the cardinal points. Almost every dwelling compound is surrounded by high walls, with an open courtyard in the centre. The buildings on four sides are usually one storey high.

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