Shichahai

In April, the sea breeze is refreshing and the green willows blow the embankment. Walking along the shore of the lake, you can see the roadside that is lined with small courtyards of green bricks and gray tiles, and the clanging rickshaws. I believe you can appreciate the comfortable slow life of old Beijing.  

Boating in the Shichahai in spring is a pleasant thing. The warm sun spreads on the lake, the green water gently ripples, and the surrounding houses and green willows reflect each other. You can feel as if wandering in the antique picture scroll.

Coming out of the lotus market, passing through Di'anmen West Street to Beihai Park, you can see a well-known time-honored restaurant – Fang Shan Restaurant.

When it comes to the restaurant, almost everyone in old Beijing knows about it. The elegant and beautiful royal garden environment, the resplendent restaurant atmosphere and the colorful and fragrant dishes are all worth trying. If you like sweet and sour flavors, you can try the stir-fried tenderloin here, which is very appetizing.

Reservation method: No reservation is required

Address: Shichahai Scenic Area, Xicheng District, Beijing

Zhihua Temple

Zhihua Temple is the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty wooden structure complex in Beijing, and it is also an art treasure house that gathers traditional culture such as ancient music, statues, carving, and painting.

There are many precious cultural relics in Zhihua Temple, among which the "Beijing music" in the temple has been verified by ethnic music experts and is known as "living cultural relics". Beijing music was introduced to the temple in the eleventh year of the Ming Dynasty (1446), and the master and apprentice in the temple inherited the skill. They have always strictly maintained the style of ancient music, which is one of the oldest existing music in China. The performance time of Beijing music is 10:00-10:20 and 15:00-15:20 every day, and the performance venue is Zhihua Hall.

In April, Zhihua Temple is filled with the fragrance of flowers. Admire the colorful mural and the Buddhist scriptures of previous dynasties, and listen to ancient music that has been passed down for hundreds of years.

Reservation method: WeChat public account of "Zhihua Temple"

Address: No. 5, Lumicang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Translator: BAO Minmin

Reviewer: LIU Yu