In the modern age where speed and efficiency are essential, Beijing is moving at a fast pace. The roads are wider. The buildings are taller. The city whose history spans over 800 years, has a new look. To distill the essence of the city, one needs to slow the pace, step out of the car -- and experience life on the street.

Ten minutes from the busy tourist shops of Wangfujing Street, we are at the Yanyue Hutong. Some of the ancient courtyard buildings here, now are transformed into modern hotels. Siheyuan means a courtyard -- surrounded by four buildings -- literally. The main house stands at the north of the compound facing south.

The main house stands at the north of the compound facing south. This is where the head of the family once lived. Two ancillary houses stand on either side. The gate to these family compounds usually is located at the southeast corner. A screen is usually set just inside the gate to block the view of passers by.

The configuration of the compound serves to protect the house from bad weather. It's also mean to offer a private space, comfort, quietude. Siheyuan served as homes for many Chinese families for centuries. Many of China's greatest statesmen, artists,writers and thinkers grew up in places just like this.

The Siheyuan was fully evolved as early as the Western Zhou period. That's more than two thousand years ago. Throughout Chinese history, the composition of the quadrangle is the basic arrangements for common homes, palaces and temples.

The Forbidden City is the biggest Siheyuan compound in China. But you can't stay there. Here at a Siheyuan hotel, you can experience the authentic feel of the old Beijing lifestyle.

These converted homes maintain the original structure and flavor of the Siheyuan. The interior rooms are restored.And there are modern facilities like satellite TV and Internet service. So it's equipped like other modern hotels. The difference here is the fusion of tradition and modernism.

A visitor said, "It's very comfortable and intimate and quiet which is very nice. And wonderful personal service. I've been walking around for days shopping in the little stores in the Hutong. Everyone is very friendly. It's a real look at Beijing life aside the modern look of Beijing."

Many visitors, find the Siheyuan hotel where they choose to stay on the Web, or from the recommendation of friends. Most of the old Siheyuan are located in the center of Beijing, inside the Second Ring Road. Here's some more information about Siheyuan hotels in Beijing:

Hotel Cote Cour S.L. Address: No.70 Yanyue Hutong, Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-65128020 Fax: 0086-010-65127295 Website: www.hotelcotecoursl.com Email:reserve@hotelcotecoursl.com info@hotelcotecoursl.com

Zhongtang Traditionl Siheyuan Hotel Address: No.12 Xiebei Ertiao, Xicheng District Tel: 0086-010-63223855 Fax: 0086-010-66173609 Website:www.tanghotel.cn Email:dodo@tanghotel.cn

Tianxiang Siheyuan Hotel Address: No.16 Huayuan Hutong, Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-82846666 Fax: 0086-010-84031831 Website:courtyard-hotel.com.cn Email:booking@courtyard-hotel.com.cn

Haoyuan Hotel Address: No.53 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-65125557 Fax: 0086-010-65253179 Website: www.haoyuanhotel.com Email:haoyuanbinguan@vip.sohu.com

Lusongyuan Siheyuan Hotel Address: No.22 Banchang Hutong,Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-64040436 Fax: 0086-010-64030418 Website:www.the-silk-road.com Email:lsyhotel@263.net

The Bamboo Garden Hotel Address: No.24 Xiaoshiqiao Hutong, Xicheng District Tel: 0086-010-58520088 Fax: 0086-010-58520000 Website: www.bbgh.com.cn Email: sales@bbgh.com.cn

Jin Ya Hotel Address: No.71 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-51657742 Fax: 0086-010-84012224 Email: 51kf@sina.com

Cong's Hutong Courtyard Hotel Address: No.139 Lishi Hutong, Dongcheng District Tel: 0086-010-65226139 Fax: 0086-010-65130628 Website: www.cong-huhong.com Email:cong_hutong@vip.163.com

(CCTV August 16, 2008)