#9of 27 attractions in Beijing
Free of Charge
Half One Day or One Night
one of the top five China’s Most Beautiful City Districts, historical and cultural protection zone; the only open scenic area with a wide expanse of water; the largest and best preserved age-old city block
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As one of the ideal destinations, Shichahai is a famous historic scenic area consisting of three lakes in the north of central Beijing. They are located to the north-west of the Forbidden City and north-west of the Beihai Lake and surrounded by the former palaces of ministers, temples, Hutongs, well-kept Siheyuans (quadrangle) as well as residences of celebrities in the past. Shichahai was part of the old Grand Canal of the Yuan Dynasty 600years ago. And now it consists of the following three lakes: Qianhai (Front Sea), Xihai(Western Sea),and Houhai(Back Sea).
Nowadays, Shichahai area still has the ambience style of an ancient city. Its water ripples and glitters around many lotuses floating on its surface. Willows line the bank like a misty green curtain, as a trickle of people cross the 1,000-year-old bridge. Its lakeshore is packed with young and senior people chatting, drinking and generally relaxing as wood pigeons coo overhead. Thus, Shichahai’s attraction lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in the historical value of its architecture. It is definitely an attractive sight for visitors.
With its ancient style and modern setting, Shichahai is now a comfortable place for locals’ recreational life and visitors’ tours. It is amazing to stand on the bridge to view the Shichahai Lake. And if it is summer, you may prefer to go boating and sing and chat. If you like to float small paper boats with lit candles inside on the water, you will have an unforgettable experience.
Shichahai at night
At night, Shichahai is quiet. People in exquisite Small bars enjoy the tranquility of night. Especially on summer nights, it is great to have tea and chat with friends under the dim light inside a small bar by the lake, sitting next to a window. Occasionally you may hear gossip in the pure Beijing dialect of local grandpas and grandmas living in the nearby hutong, strolling past while shaking a cattail leaf fan with a hand; or the bicycle bell of some young people returning home late, all breaking the quietness. It is perfect!
Opening hours: 24 hours for free
Location: They are located to the north-west of the Forbidden City and north-west of the Beihai Lake
How to get Shichahai?
Take bus No. 5, 60, 111, 107, 118, 13, 204, 42, 701, 810, 823, 850 to Shichahai Station.
Weather/Best Time to Go
Nights in Summer are absolutely best time to visit Shichahai!!! The autumn months between September and November have the best weather. Summer (June to August) is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists. Spring is less pleasant not many tourists but lots of wind and dust. In winter, you’ll have Beijing to yourself and many hotels offer substantial discounts, just remember it’s an ice box outside. Everything is chock block during the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February).
Travel Tips:
- Shichahai is great all year, but summer and autumn are the best seasons to travel.
- At night, the scene is even more beautiful.
- Try to visit with best friends, and talk with each other in deep when you are sitting inside a bar in Shichahai !
