Houhai Area is one of the few most romantic, vibrant and traditional places in Beijing. It lies beside the Second Ring Road, only a few minutes away from the Drum Tower by foot. But in this place, you will not only experience the traditional Chinese life, but also the beautiful scenery.

Houhai is one of the three parts of Shichaihai, acting only as an exclusive imperial lake. Today the Houhai area is one of Beijing’s most popular nightlife venues. It provides various kinds of restaurants, bars and cafes. Walking east from Houhai, you will get to the Drum Tower. Going south, you will reach Nanluoguxiang – one of Beijing’s best-preserved Hutongs. There is a bazaar providing various kinds of traditional Beijing snacks and handcrafts.

Houhai is surrounded by well-preserved former mansions of princes, Hutongs and Siheyangs. Staying at a Houhai Siheyuan-style hotel is interesting. Siheyuan (or courtyard) is a classic type of Beijing’s traditional architecture.

There are many Siheyuan-style hotels located in Houhai, traditional layouts equipped with everything you might need. It may let you feel the traditional culture of Beijing and the perfect combination of traditional and modern.

Nowadays a lot of traditional Chinese hotels are open in this area, and all of them are built and decorated with very traditional styles. Thus, you will have a good experience of Chinese and Beijing cultures.