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 · tickets & prices →
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 (Houhai) map & getting there

Map of Shichahai (Houhai) (什刹海) in Beijing — nearby streets and metro stations

Amap (in China)Open in Google Maps Apple Maps Interactive Beijing map →

Taxi / DiDi? Show the driver: 西城区什刹海(后海·前海·西海) · Shichahai Lakes Area, Xicheng District, Beijing

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.

Show all 14 photos

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.

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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.