Shichahai: A historical water town and a pearl of the marketplace beside the central axis of Beijing

The Mystery of Names: "Ten Temples" or "One Temple"?
The origin of the name "Shichahai" has added the first touch of mystery to this water area. There are two mainstream theories: The "Ten Temples Theory" holds that the lake was named "Ten Temples Lake" because there used to be ten famous temples around it, and later it was homophonic as "Shichahai". The "One Temple Theory" holds that its name originated from a bustling "Ten Temples Sea Temple" by the lake during the Ming Dynasty. Regardless of its origin, this name has set the tone that this place is inseparable from its historical culture and religious architecture.

Historical Transformation: An Epic of the Growth of Beijing
The evolution of Shichahai is closely intertwined with the destiny of Beijing City and is a vivid account of the city's development history.
- Flourishing Canal Transportation (Yuan Dynasty) : This was the northern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Historical records state that "舳舻 blocked the water". Grain ships coming from the south directly reached the jishuitan wharf, making the area along the canal the most prosperous commercial center of the Yuan capital, laying the foundation for the urban layout of "the front court and the back market".
- Cultural Transformation (Ming and Qing Dynasties) : After the Ming Dynasty, due to the interruption of canal transportation, Shichahai transformed from an economic hub into a cultural and leisure destination. High-ranking officials, scholars and literati vied to build princely mansions and private gardens along the lakeside, such as the Prince Gong's Mansion and the Prince Chun's Mansion, thus forming a unique cultural circle of princely mansions.
- Market Paradise (from the Late Qing Dynasty to the Early Republic of China to the present) : During the late Qing Dynasty, tea houses and taverns emerged here, especially the appearance of the "Lotus Market", which made it a summer paradise for common people. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, through several large-scale dredging and improvement projects, Shichahai regained its clear waters and was designated as a historical and cultural protection district. Its profound humanistic heritage has been systematically protected and passed down.

In-depth understanding: Explore more must-visit landmarks in the center of Beijing >> Beihai Park

Natural creation: The Four Seasons' Charm of the Northern Water towns
The natural beauty of Shichahai lies in its ingenious integration of the expansive water scenery into the urban fabric, earning it the title of "the water town of the North".

- Dynamic Water: A jade belt connected by three seas
The three lakes of Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai are connected by waterways, with a water area of 336,000 square meters. They belong to the same water system as the South Sea and North Sea in the imperial garden, but are more open and friendly. In summer, the fragrance of lotus flowers spreads for miles. Qianhai has been a popular place for lotus viewing since ancient times. The ice surface in winter is like a mirror, making it a place to experience the ice fun of old Beijing. Taking a gondola is the best way to blend into this water scene, especially at sunset or when the lights are just coming on, which is the most poetic.

The finishing touch: "Silver Ingot Viewing the Mountain"
This is a single-arch stone bridge embedded in the waterway between Houhai and Qianhai, and it is also one of the old "Little Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing". Standing on the Silver Inget Bridge and looking westward, on a clear day, one can see the outline of the Western Hills as dark as ink, reflected behind the shimmering waves and the willows by the shore, forming a wonderful and layered urban landscape painting.

- Secret Green: Willows by the lake and Xihai Wetland
Walking along the lake, the most typical sight is the graceful willows swaying along the shore. In Xihai (Jishuitan), the Xihai Wetland Park, which was built in recent years, has attracted birds to settle down through ecological restoration, adding wild charm and vitality to this historical water area and becoming a great place for citizens to relax and calm their minds.

Humanistic Craftsmanship: An Open-air Museum of the Ancient Capital's cultural Heritage
The density of cultural landscapes in Shichahai is the highest in Beijing, and it can be called an open-air museum without walls.

- Royal Mansions and Former Residences: Half of the history of the Qing Dynasty
The lakeside is home to numerous prominent royal mansions and former residences of famous people. The Prince Gong's Mansion, once the residence of Heshen and Prince Gong Yixin, is renowned for its magnificent architecture and the "Ten Thousand Blessings" culture, making it an absolute must-visit attraction. In addition, the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (formerly the Garden of Prince Chun's Mansion) and the former residence of Guo Moruo, among others, also quietly tell the stories of different eras.

- Ancient temples and shrines: Tranquility in the mundane world
Temples such as Guanghua Temple and Huode Zhenjun Temple are scattered around. Among them, the Fire Virtue True Lord Temple has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty and is one of the oldest existing temples in Beijing. With its red walls and black tiles, it is filled with the aroma of incense, providing a quiet place for the bustling market.

- Street and Alley Texture: A living picture of hutongs and quadrangle courtyards
The soul of Shichahai is deeply hidden in the crisscrossing hutongs. Yandai Xiejie, named for its resemblance to a tobacco pipe, is now filled with creative stores and time-honored brands. It is one of the earliest xiejie in Beijing. The Big and small Jinsi Hutong, Nan Guanfang Hutong and others retain the most authentic scenes of quadrangle courtyard life. Door piers, screen walls, ancient trees, everywhere bear the marks of time.

Photography Tips:
Best panoramic shooting position: On the Silver Ingot Bridge, you can capture the classic scene of "Silver Ingot Viewing the Mountain", capturing the Western Mountains, the lake water and the bridge in the frame.
Humanistic documentary Focus: Delve into the hutongs along the northern edge of Houhai to capture the moments of Beijing residents' lives, such as bird walking and playing chess.
The charm of the night view: When night falls, capture the dazzling scene of the neon lights of the bar street reflected on the calm lake surface on the south bank of Houhai.
Seasonal Limited: Summer photography of the lotus leaves stretching to the sky beside the lotus market. In winter, take pictures of the people playing on the ice and the solemn drum tower in the distance.

Five must-do things to unlock a Complete Shichahai Tour
1. Take a deep stroll in the hutongs
Route: Starting from Yindin Bridge, turn freely into any alley along the northern edge of Houhai and experience the lively atmosphere among the blue bricks and grey tiles. Special attention can be paid to places like Ya 'er Hutong and Da Jin Si Hutong.
- Experience: Pay attention to the stone piers in front of the quadrangle courtyard, listen to the Peking Opera sounds coming from within the courtyard, or greet the old man chatting under the tree. This is a way to touch the soul of old Beijing.
2. Take a night cruise by gondola
Key point: Experience a gondola shaped like the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival", and feel the tranquility and magnificence of Shichahai from the waterway.
- Experience: Board the boat in the evening and watch the setting sun dye the lake red. When the night deepens, the street lamps in the bar light up, reflecting a riot of colors. You can also release a lotus lantern in an antique style.
3. Encounter the "Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing" at Yindin Bridge
- Time: Choose an afternoon or dusk after rain when the sky is clear and visibility is extremely high.
- Experience: Standing at the bridgehead and looking westward, witness with your own eyes the snow-like outline of the Western Hills and the modern urban landscape facing each other across time and space.
4. Try some authentic Beijing-style snacks
A must-order for the main course: The grilled mutton from the century-old brand "Roast Meat Season" has a unique flavor.
- Snack Tasting: Head to the old shops at Huguo Temple Snack Street or Di 'anmen Road intersection to savor authentic Beijing flavors such as Aiwowo, Pea Yellow, noodle tea, and sugar-coated haws.
5. Experience the rhythm of the nightlife in Houhai
- Experience: After nightfall, the bar street on the south bank of Houhai gradually awakens. Choose a bar that catches your eye and sit down, listen to a live music performance, and experience the collision between the ancient water area and the modern urban nightlife.

Suggested tour route
One-day "Classic Panoramic" Tour (Most popular, moderate pace)
In the morning: Take the subway to Beihai North Station and visit the Prince Gong's Mansion (about 2.5 hours) → Take a rickshaw to tour the surrounding hutongs and listen to the rickshaw driver tell the stories of old Beijing (about 1 hour).
At noon: Have lunch at the Huguo Temple Snack Street or a nearby restaurant and enjoy some Beijing-style snacks.
In the afternoon: Walk to Shichahai, start the tour from the Silver Ingot Bridge, stroll along the northern shore of Houhai, and visit the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (about 1 hour) → Take a gondola at the Good Dream Jiangnan Pier for water sightseeing (about 1 hour).
In the evening: Pass through the Yandai Xiejie, visit the cultural and creative stores, and walk to the exterior of the Drum Tower to take photos.
In the evening: Choose a restaurant or bar on Houhai Bar Street for dinner, enjoy the night view and nightlife, and then end the trip.

Two-day "Cultural Depth" Tour (Suitable for History and culture enthusiasts)
Day 1: Focus on the core area of Shichahai. Visit the Prince Gong's Mansion in the morning. In the afternoon, take the Silver Ingot Bridge as the center, stroll along the lakeside boardwalks in Qianhai and Houhai, and go deep into the hutong cluster along the northern edge of Houhai to visit Guanghua Temple or Huode Zhenjun Temple. Take a night boat tour in the evening and enjoy the night view of the bar street.
Day 2: Expand to the surrounding cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the Bell and Drum Towers to experience the grandeur of the ancient timekeeping center. Then, you can ride a bike or take a vehicle to the nearby Nanluoguxiang (although it has been commercialized, the framework of the alley still remains), or visit the former residences of Guo Moruo and Mei Lanfang for a deeper exploration. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the National Art Museum of China or Jingshan Park according to your interests, and overlook the entire Forbidden City.

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How to get to: The well-connected city center
Shichahai is located in the core area of Beijing and enjoys extremely convenient transportation.
- Subway (Recommended) :
- To the Qianhai/Yandai Xiejie area: Take Line 8 to "Shichahai" Station, exit from Exit A2 and walk to the destination.
To reach the area of Prince Gong's Mansion/North Gate of Beihai: Take Line 6 to "Beihai North" Station, exit from Exit B and walk to the destination.
- Bus: Multiple routes are available, such as 107, 111, 13, 42, 612, 701, 810, 823, etc. Get off at "Beihai North Gate" or "Di 'anmen Wai" stop.
- Self-driving (not recommended) : Parking Spaces in the old town hutong area are extremely tight and prone to congestion. It is recommended to take public transportation.

Best visiting time
The scenery of Shichahai varies with the four seasons, but it is most comfortable and pleasant in spring and autumn.
The golden seasons of spring and autumn (April to May, September to October) : The climate is mild, with green willows and red flowers, or the sky is clear and the clouds are sparse. It is the best time for taking a walk and taking photos.
- Summer Vitality Season (June - August) : The lotus flowers in the lake are in full bloom, and you can enjoy the lotus flowers and go boating. However, the weather is hot. In the afternoon, it is necessary to pay attention to sun protection and avoiding the heat. The bar street is especially lively at night.
- Winter quiet season (November - March of the following year) : There are fewer tourists. If it snows, the lake surface and hutongs are covered in white, presenting a unique charm. You can experience the old Beijing ice sports (such as roller skating).

Practical tips and accommodation options
- Admission: The Shichahai Scenic Area itself is free of charge, but internal attractions such as the Prince Gong's Mansion and Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence require separate tickets. It is recommended to make an online reservation in advance.
- Accommodation: As it is located in the city center, there is no need to stay within the scenic area. It is recommended to choose hotels along Metro Lines 2, 6 and 8, such as those near Qianmen, Wangfujing, Dongsi and Nanluoguxiang, for convenient transportation and a wide range of options.
- IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Tips: By booking through us, you can package your accommodation with a multi-day tour of Beijing, often getting combined discounts and ensuring a seamless connection to your itinerary. Tell us your budget and requirements, and we will match the most suitable hotel for you. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Shichahai is a key to unlocking the profound historical and cultural heritage of Beijing, and the cultural vein of the Qing Dynasty royal family it represents extends all the way northward to Chengde. This route connects the palaces and gardens of the capital with the mountains and rivers of the summer palaces beyond the Great Wall, taking you to deeply experience the political wisdom, artistic achievements and grandeur of the Qing Dynasty at its peak.

Classic 6-day In-depth Tour of Royal Culture in Beijing and Chengde: This route takes 3 days to fully explore the core royal heritage along the central axis of Beijing, and then another 3 days to head north to Chengde, immersing oneself in the world's largest royal garden and the diverse religious buildings around it, completing a complete cultural tour of the Qing Dynasty from the political center to the Summer Palace and its affiliated gardens. Check out the 6-day in-depth tour route of the royal culture of Jingcheng

The story of Shichahai is related to the growth memory of a great city, to the rise and fall of the canal transportation, the honor and disgrace of the royal mansions, and the eternity of the hustle and bustle of the market. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
- Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we design the perfect route that includes Shichahai and other scenic spots in Beijing.
One-stop service: Handle all ticket reservations for scenic spots, special event experiences, transportation connections and professional guided Tours.
Exclusive Experience: Arrange private visitors deep in the alley, intangible cultural heritage hands-on experience, guidance on the best photography positions, etc.

Let your visit to Shichahai be more than just a cursory glance, but an immersive cultural experience that engages in a dialogue with the history of the ancient capital.
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