Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

After a busy week, to unwind from the fatigue of work, my favorite activity is walking, especially strolling around Houhai, Beihai Park, and the Drum Tower, which is particularly refreshing. Route: Start from the east bank of Houhai, circle around to the west bank, and finally come out from the Lotus Flower Market, cross the road to enter the North Gate of Beihai Park, take a loop around Beihai Park, come out from the North Gate, turn right to the traffic lights then turn left into Di'anmen Outer Street, and not far ahead is the Drum Tower. 🌟Highlights: Along the way, there are lakes, bars, a lively atmosphere, and tranquility. Houhai is one of the earlier bar streets in Beijing. Unlike the glitzy bars of Sanlitun, the bars here are more like those in Lijiang Ancient Town, full of artistic flair. Some bars have terraces where you can sit in the summer, sipping drinks, enjoying the breeze, and watching movies, which is quite pleasant. Coming out from the Lotus Flower Market and crossing the road, you enter Beihai Park. As soon as you step into the park, the world becomes quiet, as if isolated from the outside, with a stark contrast between the hustle and bustle outside and the serenity inside. Sitting on the benches by the lake, there is a sense of peaceful times. As a royal garden with over 800 years of history, the architecture here appears even more dignified and magnificent under the moonlight. Walking from Beihai Park to the Drum Tower, you can see the Drum Tower standing quietly in the night, exuding a hint of mystery. 🚉Transportation Tips: Parking is not very convenient, it is recommended to take a taxi or public transportation. Get off at Shichahai Station on Subway Line 8, Exit A2, and it's a 2-minute walk to Houhai.

❤️As many people know, the upcoming New Year is the Year of the Dragon, and there are dragon-shaped lanterns everywhere in Beijing. But this one in the Houhai Lotus Market is a visual feast in terms of height, length, and shape, full of New Year's atmosphere. 🏡Houhai is originally a concentrated area of old Beijing's history and culture, with a strong humanistic atmosphere. This giant dragon lantern has stolen the show, attracting countless onlookers. Named 'Sea Dragon', the giant dragon lantern is 202 meters long, the longest in Beijing's Spring Festival dragon lanterns. It is said to use traditional lantern art + modern light effects, specially made for the upcoming Spring Festival. 🔥Witnessing this lantern at sunset, a touch of gold in the blue tone, the picture level is instantly full, the shape is very eye-catching whether it is the whole or the details. Its ups and downs are interesting, the color is strong, the dragon body composed of several sections of colored lights twists and turns for hundreds of meters, decorated with auspicious cloud patterns, full of deep meaning for the arrival of the New Year. ⏰When to go? It is said that this dragon lantern will be on display until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, so there is no need to rush to check in. 🌈When to go? The lighting time seems to be different every day, basically around 17:00 in the afternoon, and if you catch the sunset weather, it's especially perfect. 🚻Recommended best route and photo location: The dragon head is at the entrance of the Lotus Market, extending south along the west bank of Houhai to the dock. The middle section can take details, the dragon head is suitable for taking the whole, both front and side angles are good choices. ⛰What views are worth seeing? With the dragon lantern and the surrounding spotlights, the festive flavor of the Houhai area is even stronger, suitable for a stroll in the evening. 🏠What facilities are worth noting? Mature scenic area, fully equipped, can eat, drink and have fun. 📷How to take beautiful photos: It is recommended to use a 16-35mm lens to take the whole, and a large aperture fixed focus lens to take details or portraits. 🚗How to get there? It's best to take the bus, it's hard to find a parking space, locate the Lotus Market. ☎How to buy tickets and make reservations? Just go directly, it's free. 🔥Must-see TIPS before checking in: 1. It is said that the lights are only turned off at night, so there's no need to rush. 2. It's better to take photos at the blue night time before it gets completely dark. 3. There are guardrails under the lights, pay attention to safety. Specific location: South Gate of Houhai Lotus Market, Xicheng District Opening hours: Open when the lights are on at night, before the 15th day of the first lunar month Type of visit: National style photography, internet celebrity check-in

Ice dance under the sunset, the beautiful night is all in Shichahai Ice Rink! 🌅 Don't miss the sunset, enjoy the winter romance in Shichahai Ice Rink, as if you are in a limited edition of ice and snow wonderland. 🕒 Business hours: 🌊Qianhai: 9:00-21:00 (Night field open🌙) 🌊Houhai: 9:00-18:00 💸 Tickets: A flat price of 100💰yuan, all projects are at your disposal (ice cars, ice bikes, etc.), children and adults are the same price, and they cannot be replaced halfway. 🚇 Tips: 🌄The sunset time is between 16:30-16:55. It is recommended to arrive around 16 o'clock to enjoy the sunset glow. Choose the subway🚇! Exit A2 of Shichahai, just over 100 meters walk🚶‍♀️, avoid the trouble of traffic jams. ❄️ Warm tips: Keep warm! Remember to wear enough clothes🧥, hats🧢 and scarves🧣, it is best to bring warm babies. Gloves🧤 are also necessary, and there are uncles and aunts selling outside, ready to solve your coldness at any time.

I came to Shichahai on the afternoon of September 30th! Arrived around four-thirty, it was not very sunny. It was not very hot either, the west side of Qianhai has a very narrow path! There were many people, basically being pushed forward haha There were even more people at the Yinding Bridge! There were traffic police maintaining order there, not allowing to stay, quickly took a photo and continued to walk to Houhai The bar street of Houhai basically every store was singing, the further north you go, the fewer people there are, although there are fewer people but the road also gets narrower! On the left are many stalls. Selling some bracelets and cultural playthings. On the right there is tin, half-sealed and not sealed, it seems even more crowded! I walked halfway and went ashore to walk on the fitness trail. My mood instantly became much better. Walking to the east side of the back row, the road is wide and there are fewer people. Happy, luckily I left in time, I caught the sunset on the east side of Houhai! So beautiful!! Slowly returned to Yinding Bridge, around six o'clock, why does it feel like there are more people!? But it's also more fun. Shichahai or Qianhai is better to visit!! At this time, the street lights are already on. Some shop's colored lights also lit up, I have to say the timing of my visit was just right. Directly experienced the scenery of the day, evening and night! When I left, it was completely dark, time to go home! Overall feeling is average, it's okay to stroll around Qianhai, but definitely do not go during holidays, too many people it's too uncomfortable

Houhai: An old Beijing style scroll Houhai in Beijing, this ancient lake, is a representative of the old Beijing style, and also an important place for tourists to experience traditional Beijing culture. Here, you can feel the strong old Beijing culture and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. 【Travel Guide】 I. Tour Route Morning: North side of Houhai → Yinding Bridge → Yandai Xiejie Afternoon: Shichahai → Prince Gong's Mansion → Drum and Bell Towers II. Recommended Photo Spots 1. North side of Houhai: Lakeside scenery, towering ancient trees 2. Yinding Bridge: The iconic bridge of Houhai, antique 3. Yandai Xiejie: Old Beijing Hutong, full of charm 4. Shichahai: Wide lake surface, pleasant scenery 5. Prince Gong's Mansion: The mansion of the Qing Dynasty prince, well preserved 6. Drum and Bell Towers: Landmark buildings of Beijing, with a long history III. Business Hours Houhai: Open all day, but some attractions have specific opening hours IV. Tourist Attractions 1. North side of Houhai: Lakeside scenery, towering ancient trees 2. Yinding Bridge: The iconic bridge of Houhai, antique 3. Yandai Xiejie: Old Beijing Hutong, full of charm 4. Shichahai: Wide lake surface, pleasant scenery 5. Prince Gong's Mansion: The mansion of the Qing Dynasty prince, well preserved 6. Drum and Bell Towers: Landmark buildings of Beijing, with a long history V. Transportation Subway: Take subway line 2 and walk to reach. Bus: Many buses can reach near Houhai, please check the bus travel APP for specific routes. 【Accommodation Suggestions】 Recommended accommodation area: Around Shichahai, Gulou Street. These areas are convenient for transportation, can easily reach Houhai, and also have a rich selection of dining and shopping. 【Cultural Experience】 1. Visit Prince Gong's Mansion: Understand the life of the Qing Dynasty prince, feel the breath of ancient nobles. 2. Ride the old Beijing tricycle: In Yandai Xiejie, you can ride the old Beijing tricycle and experience the traditional transportation of old Beijing. 【Travel Feelings】 Walking by the lake of Houhai, it seems to feel the tranquility and leisure of old Beijing. Each ancient tree, each Hutong, is full of Beijing's history and culture. Here, you can feel the strong old Beijing culture, and also experience the blend of Beijing's tradition and modernity. Houhai is not only a scenic spot, but also a scroll of old Beijing style, waiting for you to read carefully. 【Fun Facts】 On Yinding Bridge, you may meet a group of photographers shooting the old Beijing scenery, why not stop and appreciate their works, maybe you will feel some old Beijing style from them. In Yandai Xiejie, you can try to touch those ancient walls and feel the thickness of history. In Prince Gong's Mansion, you can learn about the life of the Qing Dynasty prince and feel the breath of ancient nobles. Houhai, this lake full of old Beijing style, is waiting for you to explore and feel. I hope this guide can help you better tour Houhai and experience the blend of old Beijing's tradition and modernity. During the tour, remember to respect local customs, maintain environmental hygiene, and practice civilized tourism. Wish you have fun in Houhai!