Shichahai and the Hutongs (Houhai)

Shichahai Historic And Cultural Protection Area; Prince Gong'S Mansion Is A National 5A Tourist Attraction · Beijing, Beijing

Old Beijing at its most atmospheric: three linked lakes - Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai - just north of the Forbidden City and Beihai, ringed by willows, stone bridges, courtyard houses and the narrow alleys called hutongs. In the Yuan dynasty these waters were the northern terminus of the Grand Canal, crowded with grain barges; later princes, officials and merchants built mansions along their shores. The largest, Prince Gong's Mansion, is the finest surviving Qing princely residence, with halls, a theatre and a rockery garden once owned by the notoriously corrupt minister Heshen. Around the lakes lie the former homes of Soong Ching-ling and other famous figures, the monumental Drum and Bell Towers, and the lanes of Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie, a Yuan-era street grid now filled with cafes and craft shops. By day, locals fish, play chess and swim in the lakes; by night, Houhai's bars and live-music venues light up the shore; and in the depths of winter the frozen lake becomes a busy skating rink. Rickshaws and bicycles thread through hutongs where Beijingers still live in traditional courtyards.

Silver Ingot Bridge, Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing, Beijing, China

Lakes and hutongs open at all hours. Prince Gong's Mansion 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:10) with advance booking; Drum and Bell Towers keep daytime hours (check).

Shichahai and the Hutongs (Houhai) on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos