Tourism GuideShichahai Hutong Area
A historic water town in the heart of Beijing featuring three interconnected lakes surrounded by traditional courtyard houses and ancient hutongs
Key Information
Historical Period
Yuan Dynasty to Present
Best Time to Visit
Spring April-May and Autumn September-October
Area Size
Approximately 3.46 square kilometers
Main Lakes
Qianhai Houhai Xihai
Architectural Style
Traditional Chinese Courtyard Houses Siheyuan
UNESCO Status
Part of Central Axis of Beijing Tentative List
Transportation
Subway Line 8 Shichahai Station or Line 2 Gulou Street Station
Special Features
Winter Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes
Cultural Significance
Preserved Hutong Neighborhood with Over 700 Years History
Nearby Attractions
Forbidden City Beihai Park Jingshan Park
Shichahai Hutong Area is one of Beijings most picturesque and historically significant neighborhoods located northwest of the Forbidden City The area comprises three interconnected lakes Qianhai Front Sea Houhai Back Sea and Xihai West Sea surrounded by traditional courtyard houses siheyuan and ancient alleyways known as hutongs This area dates back to the Yuan Dynasty 12711368 when it served as the northern terminus of the Grand Canal During the Ming and Qing dynasties it became a popular retreat for nobles and officials who built elegant mansions along its shores Today Shichahai preserves the authentic atmosphere of old Beijing with its winding hutongs traditional architecture and vibrant local life The area is particularly famous for its beautiful lakeside scenery historic sites like Prince Gongs Mansion and the Bell and Drum Towers and its lively nightlife scene around Houhai Bar Street
Things to Do
- Take a rickshaw tour through the ancient hutongs to experience traditional Beijing alleyway life
- Rent a paddle boat or take a traditional wooden boat cruise on the interconnected lakes
- Visit Prince Gongs Mansion one of Beijings best preserved Qing dynasty aristocratic residences
- Explore the Bell and Drum Towers which marked time in ancient Beijing
- Walk along the lakeside promenades especially beautiful during autumn when leaves change color
- Visit the many traditional courtyard houses now converted into teahouses restaurants and boutique hotels
- Experience the vibrant Houhai Bar Street at night with its mix of traditional and modern entertainment
- Try local Beijing snacks like zhajiangmian fried sauce noodles and jianbing Chinese crepes from street vendors
- Visit the nearby Lama Temple Yonghegong one of Beijings most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
- Explore the Silver Ingot Bridge Yindingqiao area known for its traditional architecture and scenic views