Shichahai is located within Beijing's historical and cultural preservation area, adjacent to the central axis of the city. It is the largest and most well-preserved historical district in Beijing, serving as the terminus of the Grand Canal and a "golden landmark" of Beijing's riverside culture in the old city. Shichahai consists of three bodies of water: Qian Hai, Hou Hai, and Xihai (also known as Jishuitan), along with their surrounding areas, collectively referred to as the "Back Three Seas" in reference to the "Front Three Seas." The name "Shichahai" (literally "Ten Temples Sea") originates from the ten Buddhist temples that once stood around the area.
Shichahai has made prominent appearances in several films and TV dramas. In the popular 1999 TV series The Place Where Dreams Begin, the character Xiao Hui, played by Xiao Tao Hong, confidently glides toward the center of the ice rink, proudly proclaiming, "The waters of the Five Lakes and Four Seas cannot compare to the beauty of the ice rink at Shichahai." In the 2004 series Romantic Life, the character Zhong Yuemin impresses viewers with his superb ice skating skills at the Shichahai ice rink, leaving the audience mesmerized.
In the popular 2015 film Mr. Six, the character Liu Ye, with his hands behind his back, occasionally turning or soaring gracefully, almost treats the Hou Hai ice rink like a stroll through a market, exuding unmatched charisma and style. These scenes from the film vividly showcase the deep affection for the Shichahai ice rink, capturing its iconic charm in a way that resonates with audiences.
The tradition of ice skating in Beijing dates back to the Qing Dynasty. The Eight Banners, originating from the harsh northern lands, brought the ice games to the capital, where it became a popular custom. Every year around the time of the Laba Festival (the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month), the young men of the Eight Banners would hold a grand "Ice Game Ceremony" within the imperial palace. In the center of the rink, skilled skaters wearing ice skates, woolen hats, and displaying agile movements would glide swiftly across the ice, skating from the afternoon into the evening. As night fell, the rink would be illuminated, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
Today, the Shichahai ice rink no longer carries the same "passionate" and "heroic" atmosphere of the past, but it remains a place of endless joy. It continues to be lively and bustling, still one of the most beloved ice rinks, where people linger and make lasting memories.
This year, the Shichahai ice rink continues to operate both the Qian Hai and Hou Hai rinks. The Qian Hai rink covers an area of 60,000 square meters, while the Hou Hai rink spans 100,000 square meters. To enhance the visitor experience, the rink has been reorganized into seven distinct zones: the Ice Kicking Ball Area, Public Activity Area, Children's Entertainment Area, Professional Speed Skating Area, Ice Skate Rental Area, Ice Slide Area, and Ice Hockey Area.
This year, the Shichahai ice rink offers a record 800 pairs of sanitized ice skates and 1,000 ice sleds, helping to reduce wait times for visitors. In addition, the rink has carefully set up more than ten ice-based recreational facilities, such as ice bicycles, ice motorcycles, and ice slides. There are also attractions like a children's castle, ice sledding seals, and ice bumper cars, ensuring a fun experience for visitors of all ages.
This year, the Shichahai ice rink has introduced new attractions, including ice dragon boats and an ice skating masquerade ball. The ice sleds now come in two designs: one shaped like a dragon, available in red and yellow, resembling traditional dragon boats, and the other in the shape of a pink pig, in celebration of the Year of the Pig. The ice skating masquerade ball features performers dressed in costumes and skating on the ice, occasionally putting on dance performances to bring even more joy to visitors.
The Qian Hai ice rink will also offer night sessions, open from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM each evening.
The ice sled and skating areas are separated, with three distinct zones and three ticket windows, each managing its own area. The ticket windows are very close to each other, making it convenient for visitors.
The ice sled area is split into two zones, with ticket sales at the first and third windows. Regular tickets cost 70 yuan, while tickets for holidays are 80 yuan. After purchasing a ticket, visitors will receive a card and a paper ticket. The magnetic card ticket is used to enter the rink by handing it over to the staff at the entrance, while the paper ticket is for the ice slide.
For ice skating, tickets are sold at the middle window, with an entrance fee of 40 yuan (30 yuan from Monday to Friday). Ice skate rentals cost 30 yuan, plus a 100 yuan deposit, which will be refunded when the skates are returned. The ticket is also a magnetic card, which visitors will need to use to collect their skates and access the rink. It is important to keep the card as it is required for both skate rental and deposit refund at the end.
Address: No. 5, Qian Hai South Shore, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: WANG Yu
