The origins of Hutong are as follows:
1. From Mongolian. Hutong, derived from Mongolian audum. People in the Yuan Dynasty called streets and alleys hutong, which later became the general name for northern streets and alleys. Hutong is also called "along (òna)", "alley" or "alley". It refers to the smaller streets between the main streets in towns or villages, leading back to the interior of residential areas.
2. The word "Hutong" was first used in Yuan Dynasty music. In Guan Hanqing's "Single Sword Club", there is a saying of "killing a bloody alley". In the Yuan opera "Zhang Niu Cooks the Sea on Shamen Island", Zhang Yu asked Mei Xiang: "Where does your family live?" Mei Xiang said: "My family lives in Zhuantaer Hutong." Zhuanta Hutong is on Xisi South Street, and the place name has not changed.
3. Beijing Hutong. Some people call Beijing's ancient capital culture "Hutong culture" or "Siheyuan culture."