Shichahai refers to the three lakes of Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai and their surrounding areas. It has a large and beautiful lake surface and is also a famous historical block in Beijing. Numerous famous historical sites such as former residences and royal mansions are scattered among it, as well as various delicacies close to the lives of the people. Houhai Bar Street is also an old resort for nightlife in the capital.
Cruise Shichahai Lake
When you first arrive at Shichahai, you must be attracted by the vast and dazzling lake light at first glance. In summer, the lakeside is very cool and the lotus flowers are in full bloom. You can take a boat to enjoy the lake scenery. There are many docks along the lake, including the Haomeng Jiangnan Pier in Qianhai, the Lotus Market Pier, the Wild Duck Island Pier in Houhai, and the Liuyin Zhengdu Pier, all of which have cruise ships to take.
You can enjoy yourself by pedaling or rowing on your own. Depending on the type of boat, the shipping fee ranges from 40 to 60 yuan per hour; If you go sightseeing, a rowboat will take you on a tour around the lake, which takes about an hour. The boatman will also explain the scenic spots of Shichahai, and the reference price for a boat ride with people is 50 yuan.
Shichahai Hutong Tour
The ancient buildings around Shichahai still retain the characteristics of old Beijing in the scenic area. There are scenic spots such as Huitong Temple, Deshengmen Arrow Tower, Chunqin Prince Mansion, Guanghua Temple, Yinding Bridge, Bell and Drum Tower, etc.
One of the most famous is the residence of Prince Gong, located in Heshen on Qianhai West Street. In addition to a glimpse of the mansion of the corrupt official He Shen in the Qing Dynasty, there are also over 10000 "fu" characters hidden in the mansion, and the Kangxi Imperial Inscription Fu Stele even allows tourists to queue up to see the true appearance.
If you are interested, you can also turn to Yanbaoxie Street to visit the Qing Post Office, which marked the birth of modern postal services in China. Knock a few beautifully patterned postmarks at the post office as a souvenir. Of course, to stamp a postmark, you must first purchase a postcard from the post office.
Bar Nightlife
Whenever night falls, a lively time comes. The numerous bars around Shichahai are buzzing with singing, and some of the bar singers in Shichahai are really good singers. Behind the bars, there are stories of the "North Drifting" tribe. Rock singer Dou Wei has been singing in Shichahai for 3 years, and it is said that he now owns the restaurant Qingyun Building in Shichahai.
Other well-known bars include Hutong freehand brushwork, Jia Ding Fang, etc. Go to the bar and sit down, watch the singer perform, and it seems that you can hear the enthusiasm of the "Beidrifters" for music from their singing.
Try Old Beijing Snacks
If you like to eat some snacks at will, you can buy a string of Bingtanghulu, lean against the White Marble railing of Shichahai, and watch the cruise ships on the lake while eating. If you want to specifically visit Beijing snacks, you can go to nine snacks. In the old style courtyard, there are everything from soy sauce beef, burning with bags, instant boiled mutton and bean curd jelly served with sauce; Or go to the Huguo Temple Snack Street west of the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, where you can enjoy the delicious food from the hutong, such as a tube style wing bar, palace cheese, and shoe soles; In addition, there is a Quanjude roast duck shop in the Lotus Market.
To the east of Shichahai is Nanluogu Lane, to the south is Beihai Park, and not far from Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square further south. Usually, during the day, play at the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, and at night, sit at the bar in Shichahai; If you don't go to the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square and enjoy the lake view, you can enjoy Beihai Park and Shichahai together; If you only enjoy shopping and eating snacks, you can go to the nearby Nanluogu Lane after visiting Shichahai and continue shopping.
Travel Tips
Address: Anmenwai Street in the east of Xicheng District, Beijing
Phone: 010-84038677
Opening Hours: Open all day
Tickets: free