What is there to do at Shichahai (Houhai)?

Shichahai is a trio of connected historic lakes ringed by hutongs and old courtyard mansions. By day you can rent a bike to circle the lakes in about 45 minutes, take a paddle boat, or visit Prince Gong's Mansion. After 5 PM the area becomes Beijing's nightlife heart, with a two-kilometer bar street wrapping the southern shore of Houhai and live music starting later in the evening.

Is Shichahai free and how do I get there?

Walking the lakeside and bar street is free; ticketed sights like Prince Gong's Mansion, boat rentals, and rickshaw tours cost extra. The area sits in Xicheng District with direct metro access, and it is an easy walk from Nanluoguxiang to the east. Aim to arrive in late afternoon so you catch both the daytime calm and the evening transformation.

When is the best time to visit Shichahai?

Late afternoon into evening is ideal, letting you watch the area shift from locals fishing and rowing to a lively bar scene. In deep winter, roughly December to February, the lakes freeze solid and become a free public ice rink, a uniquely local Beijing experience. Summer evenings are busiest along the Houhai bar street.

Shichahai (Houhai), Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Three connected historic lakes ringed by hutongs and bar streets — Beijing's nightlife heart with a 700-year history.

At a glance

What it is: Neighborhood
Also known as: 什刹海 (Shí Chà Hǎi)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening; winter ice in December-February
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Shichahai Lakes Area, Xicheng District, Beijing · 西城区什刹海(后海·前海·西海)

See Shichahai (Houhai)tickets & tours

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Shichahai is a trio of connected lakes — Qianhai (Front Sea), Houhai (Back Sea), and Xihai (West Sea) — that have been Beijing's leisure water since the Yuan dynasty made it the imperial capital. The dense hutong neighborhood around the lakes preserves 700 years of layered courtyard architecture, including the former residences of Prince Gong, Soong Ching-ling, and Mei Lanfang (the great Peking Opera actor). After 5 PM, the area transforms — a 2-km bar street wraps the southern shore of Houhai, lake-side restaurants serve hotpot and skewers, and rickshaws ferry tourists through the alleys. By day, locals row paddle boats or fish from the embankments; in deep winter the lakes freeze and become a free public ice rink. Rent a bike to circle the lakes (about 45 minutes) — that's the best way to see how the rhythm shifts between residential alleys and tourist zones.

Highlights

Houhai Bar Street (后海酒吧街)2 km of bars wrap the southern lake shore; live music after 8 PM
Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府)Largest preserved Qing-era private residence; ticketed
Paddle Boats & Bike Loop (划船·骑行)Rent a bike; the lakes circuit is about 45 minutes
Winter Ice Skating (冰场)Free public ice rink Dec-Feb when the lakes freeze solid
Hutong Rickshaw TourVendors at the south gate of Houhai; includes Prince Gong's mansion

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Rent a bike and ride the full lake loop; it takes about 45 minutes and shows how the mood shifts from residential to tourist zones.
▸The northern and western shores stay quiet and residential while the bar street swallows the southern shore of Houhai.
▸Arrive before 5 PM to see locals fishing and rowing, then stay as the bar street wakes up after dark.
▸In December through February the frozen lakes turn into a free public ice rink, a local scene most foreigners miss.
▸Agree on rickshaw and boat prices clearly before you start; rates near the south gate of Houhai are negotiable.
▸Walk the hutongs one block back from the water to find the former mansions of Prince Gong, Soong Ching-ling, and Mei Lanfang.
▸Nanluoguxiang is a short walk east, so pair the two neighborhoods into one afternoon-to-evening route.

Photos

brown and green temple near lake under blue sky during daytime

Scenic view of Beijing hutong with leafless trees reflected in the water

Daily life along Shichahai lakeside in Beijing with bare winter trees and traditional architecture reflecting on the water.

brown and white concrete building near body of water during daytime

Enjoy a peaceful day by the trees and waters at Shichahai Lake, Beijing.

gray house near body of water viewing mountain under blue and white sky during daytime

Peaceful winter scene of a canal lined with bare trees on a sunny day.

a building sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

A serene view of a traditional Chinese canal and architecture in Beijing during winter.

a building with a red roof surrounded by water

Explore traditional boats along a scenic waterway in Beijing, China, capturing vibrant architectural charm.

A large body of water with a building in the background

An atmospheric view of a traditional hutong house in Beijing, China.

What travelers say (20 reviews)

Sophia P.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Bar street at night is fun but Prince Gong's Mansion in the day was the highlight. Both within 10 min walk.

2026-03-22

Robert K.·Google Maps·5/5

Rented a bike from a Houhai vendor (50 RMB) and circled all three lakes — Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai. 45-min loop, perfect afternoon.

2026-04-12

BeijingBike·YouTube·5/5

Stayed in a courtyard hotel near Yandaixiejie — best Beijing memory. Walked to Houhai for dinner every night.

2026-02-18

Linda H.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Bar street is loud, touristy, expensive. But the morning walks along the embankments — locals fishing, doing tai chi — are peaceful.

2025-12-22

什刹海夜·Xiaohongshu·5/5

后海荷花市场的夜景超出片。建议晚上7-8点来，灯笼亮起的湖面倒影绝美。

2026-03-28

Marco F.·Google Maps·4/5

Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府) is the largest preserved Qing private residence — 40 RMB ticket. Worth a full hour.

2026-04-18

Hannah W.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Visited in deep winter — the lakes were frozen solid and locals were ice skating for free. Magical.

2026-01-15

OldBeijingNights·YouTube·5/5

Hutong rickshaw tour from Houhai south gate — 250 RMB for 2 hours, includes Prince Gong's. The driver speaks decent English.

2026-02-08

老北京水·Ctrip·5/5

后海被誉为北京的灵魂湖泊，元代就是皇家漕运终点。带本《城南旧事》来读，更有味道。

2026-01-28

Emily T.·Google Maps·4/5

The bar scene gets aggressive — touts try to drag you in. Tip: pick a quieter side bar away from the main strip.

2026-03-08

Daniel J.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Mei Lanfang Memorial — the great Peking Opera actor's home. Small, fascinating museum 5 min north of the main lake.

2026-04-02

Olivia K.·Google Maps·5/5

Pedal boat for 60 RMB/hour on Houhai — perfect summer afternoon. Lotus blooms in July are spectacular.

2026-02-25

RickshawRider·YouTube·4/5

Houhai feels heavily touristy until you walk 5 min into the hutongs. Yandaixiejie alley is touristy, Beiluoguxiang behind it is real.

2026-03-15

Maya B.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Soong Ching-ling's former residence (former 1st First Lady) is here — gorgeous garden, near-empty on weekdays.

2025-11-30

夜游北京·Xiaohongshu·5/5

晚上从鼓楼方向骑车过来，沿着银锭桥走，灯光打在湖面上简直是穿越。

2026-04-22

Ben R.·Google Maps·5/5

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are walking distance. Pair with Shichahai for an old-Beijing afternoon.

2026-01-20

Karen S.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Bring small change for the rickshaw tipping. The drivers double as guides — most have memorized routines but they're entertaining.

2026-02-15

BeijingHutongs·YouTube·5/5

Sunset cruise on a tiny boat — 80 RMB/person, two of us — best 30 min of the trip. The light hitting the white walls of Yinding Bridge is unreal.

2026-04-08

Tom L.·Google Maps·4/5

Try the meat pies (馅饼) at Yin Ding Bridge — locals queue up for these. 8 RMB each, perfect snack.

2026-03-30

什刹海老炮·Ctrip·5/5

什刹海三海里西海最安静，几乎没什么游客。前海最热闹，后海最商业。各有各的味道。

2026-01-08

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Frequently asked questions about Shichahai (Houhai)

What is there to do at Shichahai (Houhai)?: Shichahai is a trio of connected historic lakes ringed by hutongs and old courtyard mansions. By day you can rent a bike to circle the lakes in about 45 minutes, take a paddle boat, or visit Prince Gong's Mansion. After 5 PM the area becomes Beijing's nightlife heart, with a two-kilometer bar street wrapping the southern shore of Houhai and live music starting later in the evening.
Is Shichahai free and how do I get there?: Walking the lakeside and bar street is free; ticketed sights like Prince Gong's Mansion, boat rentals, and rickshaw tours cost extra. The area sits in Xicheng District with direct metro access, and it is an easy walk from Nanluoguxiang to the east. Aim to arrive in late afternoon so you catch both the daytime calm and the evening transformation.
When is the best time to visit Shichahai?: Late afternoon into evening is ideal, letting you watch the area shift from locals fishing and rowing to a lively bar scene. In deep winter, roughly December to February, the lakes freeze solid and become a free public ice rink, a uniquely local Beijing experience. Summer evenings are busiest along the Houhai bar street.