Jingcheng Hutongs: Sketches by Xu Ying

Author: Xu Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The "Beijing Hutongs - Xu Ying Sketch Collection," compiled and illustrated by middle-aged painter Xu Ying, includes one hundred sketch drafts drawn on-site in hutongs over the author's two decades. Accompanying the illustrations are text introductions detailing the history, anecdotes, and interesting stories of one hundred Beijing hutongs. Bilingual (Chinese-English), rich in illustrations, and written in fluent prose. Reading this book, we seem to hear the cries of vendors and the distant cooing of pigeons in the hutongs. It not only allows the older generation of Beijing natives to reminisce about the challenging past and evoke warm memories but also serves as a valuable resource for young people to learn about Beijing's history, geography, traditional culture, and folklore. The book has been recommended by experts and scholars such as Xu Xiangluo and is available at Xinhua Bookstores.
The "Beijing Hutongs - Xu Ying Sketch Collection" is rich in illustrations and flows effortlessly. The scenes often feature vendors selling sugar-coated haws, hurried pedestrians, mischievous children, and composed elders. Reading through these emotionally charged texts and images, we seem to hear the vendors' cries and the distant cooing of pigeons in the hutongs. At this moment, I can't help but recall my childhood days when I had to walk through dozens of hutongs every day to school: Yongguang Temple Street, Qianqingchang, Lujiaojiao Hutong, Xiliulichang, Dongliulichang, Yichidajie, Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Meishijie, Dashilan, Da Jiangjia Hutong, Shuidaozi, Dongxiaoshi. Each of these hutongs has its own origins and a few legends, sparking endless thoughts in my mind. What makes me particularly happy is that some of these hutongs are featured in this sketchbook.
The illustrations in this book are not straight architectural drawings but rather scenes that blend the ancient charm of Beijing with the rich daily life of its people. The text is not just simple introductions but, like the illustrations, is in a sketch form—expressing spontaneous thoughts, with longer passages for more details and shorter ones for brevity.