Hutong, or small lane, is a standout feature of Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hutong, or small lane, is a standout feature of Beijing as well as a synonym of old Beijing, and surviving lanes have developed a culture of their own: gentle, serene, pure, and as eternal backdrops of countless touching stories. Hutongs turn particularly charming on snowy days, with old knife grinders working on corners or a young man passing on bicycle carrying a bunch of candied hawthorns on sticks. Occasionally, old men take a stroll with long-stemmed Chinese pipes in hand or drop by to chat with neighbors and enjoy the mild winter sunlight.