Shichahai is a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes in the north of central Beijing. They are located northwest of the Forbidden City and north of the Beihai Lake. Shichahai consists of three lakes: Qianhai, Xihai, and Houhai. From the time of the Yuan Dynasty it was the northernmost part of the Grand Canal linking Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the North of China. Because of this, the Shichahai area used to be the most important commercial district with all kinds of businesses and activities. It harbors several temples and mansions. Shichahai literally means “the lake of ten temples”. Around the lake there are ten famous Taoist and Buddhist temples and several formal royal mansions and gardens. The most well known are the Prince Gong’s Mansion and the Prince Chun’s Mansion.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: All day

Address: No. 49 Di’anmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Transport:

By Subway: Take Subway Line 8 directly to Shichahai.

By Bus: Take Bus No. 3, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612, or 701 to Beihai Beimen Station (north gate of Beihai Park) or Bus No. 5, 60, 82, 107, 124 to Gu Lou Station (Drum Tower).