Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area), Beijing — photo from the ToursChinaTravel attraction library

Beijing · Beijing

Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area)什刹海

★ 4.6 / 5.0 From the north side of Di'anmen Outer Street to Xinjiekou North Street Province: Beijing
LakeHutongNightlifeLocal LifePhotography
About the attraction

Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) Travel Guide

Shichahai is a chain of three lakes (Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai) surrounded by willow-lined banks, old hutong alleys and courtyard bars — the most atmospheric place in Beijing to see how the old city lives. By day it is rickshaws and lotus; by night it becomes the capital's liveliest lakeside bar street.

Visitor Essentials · Quick Facts

Attraction
Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area)
Chinese name
什刹海
City
Beijing
Province
Beijing
Address
From the north side of Di'anmen Outer Street to Xinjiekou North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Opening hours
Open all day; best at sunrise, sunset and evening.
Tickets
Free to wander; boat rides and courtyard visits cost extra.
Suggested visit time
2–4 hours
Rating
4.6/ 5.0
Official phone
Not published
Book This TripLocal China travel team · replies within hours

We arrange tickets, guides and day tours for Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) — and can plan the rest of your Beijing itinerary, transfers and hotels included.

Opening hours

Open all day; best at sunrise, sunset and evening.

Tickets

Free to wander; boat rides and courtyard visits cost extra.

Suggested time

2–4 hours

Official phone

Not published

Ways to experience it

Best Ways to Enjoy Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area)

How travelers like you make the most of Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) in Beijing.

Hutong-walk from the Drum & Bell Towers to the lakes.

A favorite way to experience Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) in Beijing.

Take a pedal boat on Houhai at sunset, then dinner in a lakeside courtyard.

A favorite way to experience Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) in Beijing.

Insider tips

Tips Before You Go

Practical advice from local guides and recent travelers.

1

Walk from the Drum Tower through the hutongs down to Houhai lake.

2

Evening bar street is lively; early morning is calm and photogenic.

3

A rickshaw tour (about ¥120) covers the hutong network with commentary.

FAQ

Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) FAQ

Straight answers to the questions travelers ask us most.

What are the opening hours for Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area)?Open all day; best at sunrise, sunset and evening.
How much do Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) tickets cost?Free to wander; boat rides and courtyard visits cost extra.
How long should I spend at Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area)?2–4 hours
Is Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) worth visiting?Shichahai (Houhai Lake Area) is one of the most popular attractions in Beijing with a traveler rating of 4.6/5.

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