Hutong Project Overview

This project will consist of blogs and clips showcasing the local and traditional culture of Beijing. Due to technology and the urbanization of lifestyles, traditional culture is gradually merging into a more homogeneous culture. Through this project, we aim to celebrate and highlight these traditions. We will post blogs about traditional foods, lifestyles, and architecture in Beijing. We realized that in order to encourage more attention to be paid to culture and to reconnect people with their roots, we must begin with our own identity and origins. 

READ THE BLOG BELOW

Looking back, I realize I really took my Beijing culture for granted while I was living there. The bustling streets, rich history, and unique traditions were just part of my everyday life, and I didn't think much about them. It wasn't until I moved to Hong Kong that everything changed. Being in a different cultural environment made me start to appreciate the little things about Beijing—like the friendliness of the people, the charm of my accent, and the special traditions we have.

Now, I feel so proud to be a Beijinger. I used to be shy about my accent; it often made me feel awkward when people laughed at it. But after moving, I learned to embrace it instead of hiding it. My accent has become a badge of honor for me, a big part of who I am. Each little quirk in my speech tells a story about my background and connects me to my roots. Celebrating the phrases and expressions that make my accent unique has really boosted my confidence and deepened my love for the culture that shaped me.

-Sunny Zhou