Speak Chinese - Beijing's Hip Houhai Lake

NI HAO from China






E-ZINE / Where to Enjoy






Beijing's Hip Houhai Lake


Updated: 2007-05-11 09:14





Click for more photos on page 44-51 of

With overhanging willows lining its banks and caf�� bars tucked away in
its many secluded corners, Houhai in the Xicheng District of Beijing is a
delightful area to relax over a drink while watching life on and off the
water. Curios are on sale, and pedicab drivers chat while waiting to take
passengers for a ride around the neighboring alleys or hutongs.

HouHai is situated between QianHai and XiHai, just north of QianHai.
HouHai is in the center of the tradional hutong area of central Beijing.
The ancient Drum and Bell Towers are nearby.




Readers' comments:

Prettyshe:Actually a lot of people find fun in Houhai. The other day i
went there, I found some are fishing along the bank lleisurely, some are
boating in the river, some are chatting over a drink in the bars, and
some are even swimming.


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The area of Houhai, QianHai and XiHai collectively is often referred to
as ShiChaHai. The water for these lakes comes via canal past the north of
BeijingZoo from KunMing lake at the Summer Palace. In turn, the water in
KunMing lake comes from rainfall in the Western Fragrant Hills.


HouHai is popular all day with small shops in hidden alleys and lots of
rickshaws passing by. In the evening, trendy lighting and neon mixes with
traditional red lanterns to create a lively yet relaxing atmosphere.


Follow the lake southwards on the west (right) side to reach the popular
area where QianHai joins HouHai and Lotus Lane beyond.


If you take a rickshaw tour around the HouHai area, there are two
historical spots that you are very likely to visit. China's last emperor,
Puyi, was born in a mansion near HouHai. Another courtyard house
(SiHeYuan), in this case a very large one, was the longtime residence of
Song QingLing, the wife of Sun YatSen. Both these mansions are now
museums. The expansive gardens and ponds provide a glimpse of what life
was like for the privileged before the Communists, who officially frowned
on such extravagance.

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