Shichahai

Shichahai

Shichahai is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Shichahai, also written as "Shichahai" (Ten Temples Lake), got its name from the ten Buddhist temples that once surrounded it. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was called Haizi, a wide and long body of water, which shrank in the early Ming Dynasty before gradually forming Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. These three lakes are connected by water channels. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has been a place for amusement and summer retreats. The three lakes boast rippling blue waters, willow trees lining their banks, and distant hills with verdant beauty, creating a picturesque landscape that ranks among the scenic highlights of old Beijing. It is one of the best-preserved areas showcasing the traditional charm of old Beijing within the city. The surrounding area features many royal mansions and gardens, such as the well-preserved Prince Gong’s Mansion and Prince Chun’s Mansion. This district was also a major commercial hub in old Beijing. The former residences of Soong Ching-ling and Guo Moruo are located near Shichahai, and Liuyin Street by the lake was once home to three of China’s Ten Marshals. Relying on the six lakes water system, the weeping willows along the shore and lotus flowers on the water are among Shichahai’s distinctive natural features. The famous *Scenic Spots of the Imperial Capital* praised Shichahai’s charm as being akin to "West Lake in spring, Qinhuai in summer, and Dongting in autumn."

The Shichahai area boasts beautiful scenery and is hailed as the "water town of the north." It is the origin of the ancient capital and a cradle of culture, serving as a destination for leisure, historical exploration, and enjoyment of modern trends. During the Yuan Dynasty, this water area was used to establish the central axis of the capital city on its eastern bank, making Shichahai the core of urban planning and water systems for the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. After centuries of development, Shichahai has accumulated rich cultural heritage from all social strata, from royalty and scholars to ordinary citizens. Its hutongs and siheyuan (courtyard homes) embody the customs and history of old Beijing. Along the meandering shores of Shichahai, an irregular yet intricately woven network of hutongs was formed, naturally integrated with the surroundings. Today, this area still preserves a rare historical landscape where natural scenery and cultural landmarks coexist. Historic sites such as the former residences of Soong Ching-ling and Guo Moruo, the Prince Gong’s Mansion Garden, Guanghua Temple, Huoshen Temple, the Bell and Drum Towers, and Yinding Bridge are like sparkling pearls, adorning Shichahai with beauty and brilliance.

Within the beautiful Shichahai area, you can take a rickshaw ride to explore the old hutongs and historic sites; enjoy a boat ride to admire the charming scenery of the three lakes; or ride a tandem bicycle to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Suggested Duration

Half a day

Transportation

1. Bus

Di’anmenwai Station — Bus routes: 60, 82, 90 Inner, 90 Outer, 107, 124, 204 Night Inner, 204 Night Outer

Beihai Beimen Station — Bus routes: 13, 42, 90 Inner, 90 Outer, 107, 111, 118, 204 Night Inner, 204 Night Outer, 609, 612, 623, 701

Di’anmennei Station — Bus routes: 5, 111, 124, 210 Night, 609

2. Subway

Subway Line 6 — Beihai Beimen Station

Ticket

Free entry

Opening Hours

All day

Location

Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing

Shichahai Subdistrict: Located in the northeastern part of Xicheng District, adjacent to the Shichahai water system (comprising Qianhai, Xihai, and Houhai). Shichahai Subdistrict was formed by merging the area east of Xinjiekou North Street from the former Xinjiekou Subdistrict with the former Changqiao Subdistrict. Covering an area of 5.80 square kilometers, it borders Jiugulou Street, Di’anmennei Street, and Di’anmenwai Street to the east, adjacent to Dongcheng District; extends to Xinjiekou South and North Streets and Xisi North Street to the west, connecting with Xinjiekou Subdistrict; reaches Jingshan Front Street, Wenjin Street, and Xi’anmen Street to the south, bordering Xichang’an Street Subdistrict; and stretches to Deshengmen East and West...   More details about Shichahai Subdistrict ++