Shichahai

Shichahai is a famous scenic area in the northwest part of Beijing, which includes three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea, and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty, and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

Its history can be traced to as far back as the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234). During the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), Shichahai was the terminal point of the Great Canal, which was a main reason for its prosperity. In the period of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when the channels ceased to be as smooth as they used to be, it changed from a bustling hub to a place of leisure where people could stroll around to admire the vast scenery or enjoy the cool shade under willow trees.
 

Beautiful Lake

 Shichahai is always a good place for local residents' recreational life, and in the last 200 years, many governmental officers, celebrities, monks and nuns chose to build mansions, temples and nunneries in it. Thus, the attraction of Shichahai lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in the historical value of its architecture. The most famous ones among these historical buildings are Prince Gong's Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), Price Chun's Mansion (Chun Wang Fu), the Former Residence of Song Qing Ling, Guang Hua Temple and the Former Residence of Mei Lan Fang, a well-known Beijing Opera master. Need to mention that the famous Shichahai Bar Street is actually Houhai Bar Street, which is in the area.

The greatest point of interest in Shichahai today is its residences, Hutong and Courtyard. Visiting Hutongs by pedicab has become a popular activity for visitors from China and abroad. The most famous is Jin Si Tao, which actually includes 18 hutongs and keeps the original layout. Another one is Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie), meaning an oblique street which looks like a long-stemmed pipe. This street used to be a famous street selling long-stemmed pipes. In the east area, Nanluoguxiang (South Gong and Drum Lane) is an interesting hutong renowned for its long history, culture, specialty stores and distinctive foods.
 

Click to enlarge the above Shichahai Map

Old Street

Some snack streets also lie in Shichahai, and people can find two Old Brands here. One is Kao Rou Ji, a restaurant selling roast meat, which has a history of over 150 years. The other is Bao Du Zhang, which has sold cooked tripe of sheep for four generations.

By visiting Shichahai, visitors will get an authentic taste of the style and features of Old Beijing.
 1. Take Subway Line 8 directly to Shichahai.
2. As it is close to the Bell and Drum Towers and the north gate of Beihai Park, visitors can take buses reaching either of them and then visit Shichahai: 
Take Subway Line 6 and get off at Beihai North Station. Get out of the station from Exit B and walk along Di'anmen Xi Dajie to the east till you see the gate of Lotus Market (Hehua Market).
Take Bus 3, 4, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612, Sightseeing Line 3, Night Line 3, Night Line 10, or Night Line 21, and get off at  Beihai Beimen (north gate of Beihai Park) or 5, 60, 82, 107, 124, 135, Sightseeing Line 3, or Night Line 2 at Gu Lou (Drum Tower). Beihai Beimen Station is close to Lianhua Market where there are many pubs and the rickshaw tour starts. Gu Lou Station is close to Yandai Xiejie. 
Beijing Bus / Subway Search

 Suggested Itineraries:
Shichahai and Houhai Hutongs: One day trip to savor the traditional lifestyle of Beijing
More Beijing Tours

Further Reading:
12 Popular Beijing Activities to Beat the Summer Heat
Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing in Winter
8 Interesting Places in Beijing You May Not Know
10 Fun Things to Do in Beijing with Family
12 Free Things to Do in Beijing
Travel to Beijing with Kids - 11 Things to Do