A hutong is a type of narrow street or alley, most commonly associated with Beijing, China. Some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history. Photo: Geoff McKim.
On January 1, 2013, Beijing started a 72-hour visa-free stay policy for citizens from 45 countries who hold the visa of, and air ticket to, a third country or region.
In response, Air China and a number of domestic travel operators have jointly introduced innovative “Beijing 72-hour visa-free stay” excursions of one to three days during which transfer passengers are treated to the sights and sounds of Beijing culture.
During the 72 hours, transfer passengers can cruise through the vermillion walls of the imperial palaces to get interesting peeks in the history of Beijing or amble through the tangle of winding hutongs (narrow streets or alleys) for first-hand experiences and culinary adventures.
To learn more about the 72-hour visa-free stay policy, visit visitbeijing.com.cn.
