Shichahai, the collective name for the three northernmost lakes in downtown Beijing, is made up of Houhai, Qianhai (literally, "Front Sea"), and Xihai (literally, "West Sea"). Houhai is the biggest of the three lakes. Due to the numerous homes along the lake's edge that have been transformed into gift stores, eateries, bars, and cafés since the early 2000s, the area surrounding Houhai has grown to be recognised for its nightlife. The region is also home to a great number of both large and small temples, ancient palaces, noble homes, and hutongs, the narrow lanes or alleys typical of northern Chinese towns. Houhai's incredible blend of the antique and contemporary is what makes it a popular hangout for a sizable number of Beijingers and foreign visitors to Beijing, especially on weekends.
The largest of the three lakes, Houhai, is manmade and has a surface area of 87 acres (35 hectares). According to Daoism, the waters of Houhai are related to the "dragon vein," a vital and unseen artery that may maintain tranquilly, stability, and prosperity. The lake was constructed around 700 years ago during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), and it was a component of the dynasty's historic water management systems.
The region was rapidly gentrified by the Yuan and designated for the royal family since it had a sizable central water body that provided a lovely background for Beijing's dawn and dusk. It is situated in the heart of the contemporary Yuan winter capital of Dadu, where it was constructed.
The Yuan dynasty was also responsible for the creation of the beautifully organised yet labyrinthine Hutong network that surrounds Houhai Lake Area. The Yuan's 787-meter-long Nanluogu Alley, which is situated in one of Beijing's oldest districts, is one of the city's oldest hutongs. Even taking a stroll through this neighbourhood is an adventure because to the abundance of traditional Chinese structures.
Houhai means "Back Sea" in its direct translation. A boat ride on the lake, a leisurely stroll around the willow-lined lake, or a meal at one of the Houhai Bar Street eateries are all enjoyable ways to spend some downtime. The Houhai lake region is quite populated at night.
After a long day of touring the Forbidden City and other attractions, the Houhai lake region is an excellent spot to have a lakeside supper or drink and take in the local ambiance, despite the higher pricing. To ensure that visitors don't miss out on the opportunity to sample the fabled Chinese tea at one of the charming teahouses scattered throughout the hutongs or the well-stocked gift shop full of hidden treasures, many tour operators also offer to arrange a family visit or a homemade lunch in a local hutong home as well as guided trips. In the vicinity of Houhai Lake, there are commercial rickshaws accessible for individuals who don't want to walk.
Houhai Lake transforms into a winter playground in December and January when the lake is frozen, with a range of skating sports available, the most well-liked of which is chair-skating. Young and old Beijingers, as well as numerous tourists, may be seen taking advantage of the frozen lake that is right in the middle of the city. But, August through October is the greatest time to go. At Houhai, the lotus flowers blossom in the summer. In order to completely appreciate the lake's beauty and the blooms, boats are available for rental. Mandarin ducks can be seen in the lake in the wild.
Any enumeration of "The Eight Magnificent Sights of Yanjing (Present-day Beijing)" must include the mountain vista from the Yinding Bridge. Because Yinding Bridge resembled a silver ingot, that is how it got its name (Yinding in Chinese). The view of the Xishan Mountain was formerly something that people might enjoy when standing on the Yinding Bridge. The historic structures from the Ming and Qing eras are linked to the public through what seems to be a space-time tunnel. The district serves as the ideal exhibition of the ancient and the modern that combined make Beijing one of the finest cities in the world as the cooking smoke rises from the numerous restaurants that line the northern bank of Houhai Lake.
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