The Old World Charm in Beijing (Tips, Photos & Map)

"Shichahai" literally means "Ten Temple Lakes". There used to be 10 Buddhist temples which surrounded today's three lakes - Qianhai Lake, Houhai Lake ( Back Lake) and West Lake, which are generally known as Shichahai Lakes.

Shichahai is teemed with the former palaces of ministers, temples, well-kept quaint and traditional hutong lanes and siheyuan ( Chinese quadrangles) as well as residences of celebrities in the past.

Shichahai is now full of the old world air with its attractive vibe, a  lively place rife with people; chic and quaint bars and restaurants; old Beijing snacks and food; old Beijing symbols and special products; the old world charming of the Ming and Qing buildings, boating on Shichahai lakes  and the list of its old world charms is much longer.

Take subway line 6 and get off at the station of Beihai North ( 北海北) and exit from Exit B. Then walk along the sidewalk to the east for about 200 meters, you will see crowds of people on your left side and now you are on the entrance to Shichahai area. The entrance has a large archway engraved with the four Chinese characters "荷花市场” （ Lotus Market).

The lake you see on your right side is known as Qianhai, or Front Lake, one of the three connected lakes in Shichahai  area. The west bank of Qianhai Lake is flanked by rows of bars and restaurants. People go boating on the and flying kites in the sky.

The west lake shore of Qianhai Lake is flanked by rows of bars and restaurants. When night falls, all the buildings are neon-lit with multi-colors.

Bold enough to have a bite of a scorpion

Try some old Beijing snacks, sugar-coated fruits, yoghurt...

Two girls are walking past a stand selling old Chinese paintings and other local art products.

Waiting in line before a stand for a taste of candyfloss, a kind of local cotton candy in Beijing.

Wandering in the old world lanes in Shichahai.

Shichahai is shot through with chic bars and restaurants. Hiding yourself in one of the bars and escaping the hustle and bustle of the old world temporarily.

Shichahai is a perfect place to mix with the locals and the Chinese from other parts of China.

Boating on the lakes reminds you of the past. The local boat company uses the paddle boats 7 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width. It is made in line with the old Chinese traditional painting dating to the Song Dynasty 800 years ago.

The sunset glow over Shichahai.

The sunset over Houhai ( Back Lake）.

Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Beijing:

Further Readings