The basic yarn is that of the human hand working on an almost supernaturally tiny scale, performing miraculous feats of dexterity that result in what, at its best, seems like a universe in miniature.
Living conditions in these are basic at best - a one-room family-house with a tiny shed-like kitchen-conversion and often no private toilet - but it is this unusual mix of ancient aristocratic architecture and current-day, salt-of-the-earth locals that gives the hutong alleys their unique character.