Hu tong,a type of narrow street or alley with houses on both sides is the most typical residence in Beijing.

胡同，一种两边都是房子的狭窄的街道或小巷，是北京最典型的住宅。

The hu tong is not only a traffic channel but also the living area for ordinary people.

胡同不仅是一条交通通道，也是老百姓的生活区。

It is the most peaceful place in this noisy city.

在这个喧闹的城市里，这是一个美丽的地方。

People get along with each other in harmony.

人们和睦相处。

There used to be 4,000 hu tong in Beijing with a history of more than 800 years.

北京曾经有 4000 个胡同，有 800 多年的历史。

Many hu tong have been replaced by modern buildings as the city developed.

随着城市的发展，许多胡同已被现代建筑所取代。

Only a few of them have been preserved keeping the traditions and history of Beijing alive.

只有少数被保存下来，保留了北京的传统和历史。