New TV series takes a look at 'hutong' in Beijing

Veteran actor He Bing stars the upcoming TV series Qingman Siheyuan (Love in a Courtyard). [Photo provided to China Daily]

Courtyards nestled in hutong — traditional Beijing alleys — are a must-visit attraction for many visitors to the Chinese capital.

And an upcoming TV series Qingman Siheyuan (Love in a Courtyard) offers a glimpse of such courtyards.

The 40-episode series will air on Beijing Satellite TV from Oct 4.

The series chronicles the life of several residents sharing a courtyard — a canteen chef, a factory worker, a theater employee and three elderly men.

Liu Jiacheng, the director, says the series features the Beijing dialect.

Also, the crew built a courtyard and a 1970s-style department store on Beijing's outskirts for the series, he says.

The cast features He Bing, Hao Lei, Li Guangfu, Ni Dahong, Hai Yitian and Wei Zibing.