Shichahai

　　Shichahai is also written as "Shichahai" (literally "Ten Temples Lake"), named so because there were originally ten Buddhist temples around it. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was called Haizi, referring to a wide and long body of water. In the early Ming Dynasty, it shrank in size and gradually formed three interconnected waterways: Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has been a popular spot for leisure and summer retreats. The three lakes are adorned with shimmering blue waters, willow trees lining their banks, and distant mountains with verdant beauty, making it one of the scenic highlights of old Beijing. It is one of the best-preserved areas showcasing the traditional charm of old Beijing. The area is surrounded by many former royal mansions and gardens, such as the well-preserved Prince Gong’s Mansion and Prince Chun’s Mansion. This neighborhood 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 connected lakes, features such as weeping willows along the shore and lotus flowers on the water have become distinctive natural attractions of Shichahai. The famous "Scenic Spots of the Imperial Capital" praised the charm of Shichahai with the phrase “West Lake in spring, Qinhuai River in summer, and Dongting Lake in autumn.”

　　 The Shichahai area boasts picturesque scenery and is hailed as the “Water Town of the North.” It is considered the origin of the ancient capital and a cradle of culture, offering a destination where people can relax, experience history, and enjoy 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 during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. After hundreds of years of development, Shichahai has accumulated profound cultural elements from all social strata, from royalty and scholars to ordinary citizens. The hutongs and siheyuan (courtyard homes) here form the folk culture and history of old Beijing. Along the winding shores of Shichahai, an irregular yet densely woven network of hutongs has naturally emerged, built along the contours of the land. Today, this area still preserves a rare historical ambiance where natural landscapes blend harmoniously with cultural landmarks. Historic sites such as the former residences of Soong Ching-ling and Guo Moruo, the garden of Prince Gong’s Mansion, Guanghua Temple, the Fire God Temple, the Bell and Drum Towers, and Yinding Bridge sparkle like pearls, adorning Shichahai beautifully.

　　 Within the beautiful Shichahai area, you can take a pedicab to explore the old Beijing hutongs and historic sites; cruise the charming three lakes by boat; or ride a tandem bicycle to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Shichahai is aAAAA-rated attraction