Shichahai 什刹海

About Shichahai

Its waterside paths sit within an old neighborhood of temples, former mansions, and hutongs, recalling the area’s former role in Beijing’s canal-linked commerce. The junction of Qianhai and Houhai is associated with bars and evening activity, while other stretches emphasize lake views and residential streets. Choose one lake or a connecting section for a coherent walk instead of assuming the name refers to a single compact park with one entrance.

Shichahai was fundamental to the layout of Yuan-dynasty Dadu, established after the Mongols destroyed the Jin dynasty capital in the 13th century: the new city's north-south axis was set beside Jishuitan (积水潭), and the surrounding walls were positioned by their distance from its southeastern shore, giving rise to the saying that Shichahai existed before Beijing itself. The area's street pattern took shape as early as the Yuan dynasty, and many of its buildings show traditional Beijing architectural features from that long history.

Among its well-preserved hutongs and siheyuan courtyards are the large and small Jinsi hutongs (金丝套), the north and south Guanfang hutongs, Ya'er Hutong (鸦儿胡同) along Houhai's north shore, and Yandai Xiejie (烟袋斜街). Several bridges once crossed the lakes; those still standing include Yinding Bridge (银锭桥), Desheng Bridge (德胜桥) and Wanning Bridge (万宁桥).

The area covers about 34 hectares. In 1992 the Beijing municipal government designated it a historic and cultural scenic district, and it was the largest of the 25 such protected areas the city approved in 2000. In 2013, Shichahai was listed as part of the Grand Canal (大运河) within the seventh group of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level (全国重点文物保护单位).

What to look for

• Qianhai and Houhai shores: compare the connected lakes and the activity around their meeting point.
• Lakeside hutong setting: look at the relationship between the water, old lanes, and mansion compounds around it.

Location & getting there

Getting to Shichahai

Choose a specific shore or landmark in Qianhai, Houhai, or Xihai when arranging arrival. The district lies north of Beihai Park’s northern side.

• A general Shichahai destination may place you at a different lake from your companions; agree on the same named lake and meeting point.