Shichahai
Shichahai, Beijing’s historic waterfront sanctuary, comprises three interconnected lakes (Qianhai, Xihai, Houhai) framed by hutongs, temples, and bustling bars. Originally a Yuan Dynasty canal hub, it became a Qing-era retreat for emperors like Qianlong, who sailed its waters. Today, it’s a vibrant tapestry of traditional and modern life, where rickshaws weave past neon-lit cafés and elderly residents play chess under weeping willows
Historical Overview
The area’s roots trace to the Jin Dynasty (12th century), when it served as a reservoir for the Grand Canal. During the Yuan Dynasty (13th–14th centuries), it became part of Kublai Khan’s imperial city, later expanding under the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1949, it transformed into a working-class neighborhood, only to revive in the 2000s as a cultural hub. Notable moments include the 1990s hutong preservation campaign and the 2008 Olympic torch relay through its lanes.
Structural Layout
The lakes span 34 hectares, surrounded by:Hutongs: Traditional lanes like Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pouch Street) and Jinbao Hutong.
Architectural Gems: Prince Gong’s Mansion (1777), the Bell Tower (1420), and the Silver Ingot Bridge (1644).
Green Spaces: Houhai Park, Lotus Market, and the Qianhai Wetlands.
Key structures include the Drum Tower (1272), Guanghua Temple (1419), and the Song Qingling Former Residence (1963).
Major Attractions
Lakeside Stroll: Rent a paddleboat or bike the 8-km trail around Qianhai and Houhai.
Prince Gong’s Mansion: A Qing-era palace with gardens, a theater, and a 200-year-old “Weeping Mulberry” tree.
Bell & Drum Towers: Climb the 15th-century towers for panoramic views and drum performances.
Guanghua Temple: A Ming-era Buddhist temple hosting morning chanting sessions.
Song Qingling’s Former Residence: The 20th-century stateswoman’s home, now a museum.
Hutong Nightlife: Bar-hop at The Bricks (jazz club) or sip cocktails at Hutong Brewery.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Silver Ingot Bridge → Prince Gong’s Mansion → Bell Tower → Lotus Market → Exit at Houhai North.
- Culture Route (4 hours):
Add Guanghua Temple, Song Qingling’s Residence, and a hutong rickshaw tour.
- Nightlife Route (3–4 hours):
Evening boat ride → dinner at Quan Ju De (Peking duck) → drinks at Voyage rooftop bar.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book Prince Gong’s Mansion tickets via “Shichahai Scenic Area” WeChat.
On-Site: Free access to lakes/hutongs; mansion tickets at the gate.
- Prices:
Prince Gong’s Mansion: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
Bell Tower: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
Free: Houhai Park, Silver Ingot Bridge, and most hutongs.
Transportation
Subway: Line 8 to Shichahai Station (Exit A2), 5-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 5, 60, 82, 107, 124, or Night 10 to Gulou Stop.
Taxi: Direct to Silver Ingot Bridge (Qianhai Lake) or Houhai Park.
Best Time & Tips
Crowds: Avoid weekends; visit weekdays (9–11 AM or 6–8 PM).
Weather: Spring (Mar–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for crisp evenings.
Essentials: Wear comfy shoes (uneven hutong paths); carry cash for street vendors.
Prohibited: Swimming in lakes, biking in pedestrian zones, and feeding wildlife.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
