Shichahai is located in the central zone of Beijing covering a large are of 146.7 hectares. Comprised of three parts: Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Back Lake) and Xihai (West Lake), Shichahai gains a high fame among visitors due to it perfectly combines the atural scenery, historical culture, urban culture and traditional folk customs together.

Why called Shichahai? Here got the name because in ancient time there were Ten Temples around the Lake. It is said that Shichahai is the place best preserved with old Beijing style in the capital city where surrounded by many of the palaces and gardens, such as well preserved Christine Prince Residence, Prince Chun Residence, etc., the former residences of Soong Ching Ling and Guo Moruo also situated next to Shichahai. This area is also the original old Beijing's main business activity area. After hundreds of years of development, here accumulated different level of life culture up to the royal, literati and down to the ordinary people. The alley and courtyards here show the customs and culture of old Beijing, formed the composition of the old Beijing's history.

Besides the former residences and old hutongs, Shichahai area also has a colorful nightlife scene because of the bar street. The fashionable bar street along the riverside unfolds another face of the place, showing its determination to catch up with the pace of the modem world. Some of the bars actually transformed quadrangle dwellings on the bank and you can walk to the crisscrossed old streets from the other side of the bars. No matter weekdays or weekends, while night is coming you will find plenty of energy, loads of drink specials and live music here.

Shichahai area enjoys beautiful scenery all the year round. In spring, the willows on the lakeshore sway gently in the breeze to say hello to all the visitors. In summer, the pure lotus and golden lilies are in full blossom in the pond, filling the air with the sweet fragrance. In autumn, with all the tree leaves turn yellow, it is best time to take photos. In winter, the lake becomes a paradise for skating lovers. Shichahai area is ideal for lazy bike riding too, and you can even catch a glimpse of people taking a swim in the water during summer as well.

Today Shichahai area remains one of the most attractive and active parts of Beijing. Why not come here to enjoy a leisure time during your Beijing travel?