The courtyard, after an early winter snow. [Chen Chen/China.org.cn]

The Jing Huo Courtyard House allows guests to experience what life in a traditional Beijing courtyard is truly like. It is the private residence of Wang Heng, whose family has lived there for more than a century. In the past, private courtyards like Wang's were not allowed to house guests overnight.

Jing Huo Courtyard House was selected to be an official Olympic Homestay during the 2008 Games. [Chen Chen/China.org.cn]

During the Olympic Games, however, Wang was chosen to be a host for the Olympic home stay program. Now, Wang is licensed to host visitors from all around the world.

There are quite a number of courtyard lodgings in Beijing, but most of them are run by professional hotel managers. The Jing Huo Courtyard is one of the few private residences run by the owner and dweller. Staying there gives visitors a strong feeling of family, as guests live with Wang and his elderly parents.

The courtyard's furniture is a mix of both traditional furniture that has been preserved and furniture that has been made according to the memories of Wang's great-grandmother.

Pictures of three generations of Wang's family. They have lived in the courtyard for more than 100 years. [Chen Chen/China.org.cn]

The courtyard maintains its original, traditional style, although in order to make the stay comfortable and convenient for visitors, Wang has installed private bathrooms in each room. The center room on the north side is reserved for ancestral worship and guests can find family photos on display there.

During spring, summer and autumn, flowers are in bloom in the courtyard. Visitors find it relaxing to sit in the cane chairs during the day or have a drink at night with newly-made friends. Wang and his family are eager to talk with guests and share stories of Beijing hutong life.

Guests say the experience gives them a home away from home. Living with a traditional Chinese family is warm and unique. Many guests have sent postcards, addressed, "To my Chinese family." A home stay definitely provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the local people and culture.

Furniture is arranged in traditional Chinese style. Wang tries to maintain the courtyard's original look. Shown above is where ancestors' portraits are worshipped.  [Chen Chen/China.org.cn]