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  Within Beijing lies a labyrinth of narrow back lanes or alleyways known as hutongs. Hutongs are lined with siheyuan, four-sided courtyard homes which date back to medieval times. Traditionally they were only one story high and ran east-west confirming with feng shui. They shelter, hide and protect the walled courtyards and family dwellings. Today only a small percentage remain due to modernization. They are an example of old ways of life, a symbol of Beijing’s past. Enter into one, and there is no sound of traffic and no sense that you are in a city. It is the feel of a village and peaceful respite.

Photography and words by Jacqueline Frank. In this feature "The Traveler", people from around the world share their travel stories and street -market finds.