Just north of the Forbidden City lies Shichahai (什刹海), a trio of ancient lakes (Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai) that have been Beijing’s social hub since the 13th century.
By day, it’s a serene escape of willow-lined canals and courtyard homes; by night, neon-lit bars pulse with live music.
This 500-acre district is where emperors once partied, literati penned poetry, and today’s locals ice-skate under fairy lights. Here’s how to dive into its layered charm.
A Playground for Royals and Rebels
Yuan Dynasty Roots:
Built as the northern terminus of the Grand Canal, Shichahai stored grain for Mongol rulers. The Wanning Bridge (1267 AD) still bears grooves from imperial cargo boats.
Ming-Qing Heyday:
Princes built lakeside mansions like the Prince Gong’s Mansion—a 60,000-sq-ft complex with a 2-story opera house.
1980s Revival:
Artists and musicians colonized abandoned courtyards, birthing Beijing’s bohemian scene.
Must-Experience Sides of Shichahai
1.Daytime Cultural Dive
Rickshaw Hutongs:
Glide through Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pouch Street), past 18th-century opium dens turned teahouses. Stop at Guanyin Temple, where a 700-year-old statue survived Cultural Revolution hiding under coal.
Local Bites:
Try zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented bean paste) at No Name Restaurant, a 1950s state canteen.
2.Golden Hour Magic
Drum & Bell Towers:
Climb the 69-step Gulou for sunset views over gray-tiled rooftops. Time your visit with the 3 PM drum performance.
Silver Ingot Bridge:
Snap the “10 Famous Views” spot where Marco Polo allegedly sketched West Mountain reflections.
3.Nightlife Unleashed
Houhai Bar Street:
Sip lychee martinis at No Name Bar (Beijing’s first private pub, opened 1995) or catch jazz at East Shore Live.
Midnight Quiet:
After 11 PM, wander southside hutongs to hear erhu (two-string fiddle) drifting from hidden courtyards.
4.Seasonal Surprises
Winter Wonderland:
Skate on frozen Houhai (Dec–Feb) and rent a vintage “ice bike” with hot baiju (liquor) vendors nearby.
Summer Nights:
Join locals fishing for carp under the moon or rent a lotus-shaped paddleboat.
Hidden Gems Even Locals Love
Song Qingling’s Mansion:
The “Mother of China” lived here—peek at her Art Deco furniture and Stalin’s birthday gifts.
Former Residence of Guo Moruo:
The poet’s garden is a bamboo-filled oasis with his handwritten manuscripts on display.
Night Market Secrets:
Follow the smell of sizzling chuan’r (lamb skewers) to Xihai’s unmarked alleys after midnight.
Smart Visitor Tips
Timing:
Weekday mornings = peaceful; weekends = lively but crowded.
Transport:
Take subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station, then walk 10 mins. Avoid taxis—narrow hutongs cause traffic jams.
Stay Local:
Book a courtyard hotel like Peking International for rooftop lake views.
Nearby Combo:
Pair with Beihai Park (10-min walk) for a full imperial garden day.
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