The evolution and space patterns of hutongtels in Beijing historic districts

Abstract

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 (东四) 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.

Keywords:

• Beijing
• China
• GIS
• hutongtel
• siheyuan
• specialist accommodation

Notes on contributors

Bihu Wu is a Professor and Director in the International Center for Recreation and Tourism Research at Peking University. His research interests include tourism planning, destination marketing and tourism education.

Lu Liu is a Ph.D. student in the International Center for Recreation and Tourism Research at Peking University and an editor of Tourism Tribune at Beijing Union University. Her research interests include boutique hotel and tourism planning.

Jun Shao is an assistant professor in the School of Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University. Her research interests include destination marketing, recreation management and social media marketing.

Alastair M. Morrison is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, West Lafayette and President of the International Tourism Studies Association. His research interests include destination management and marketing, Internet marketing in tourism, consumer behavior and market segmentation.