Shichahai and Houhai Lakes
8.0Friend Score / 10$
Known forhouhaishichahaibar streetnightlife
Three connected lakes (Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai) ringed by willow-lined paths, hutongs, and bar terraces in the old imperial city. Rent a pedal boat (about CNY 180/hour for four), watch winter swimmers, or loop the shores on foot. Honest caveat: the lakeside bars are neon-loud tourist traps — the lakes and lanes are the point.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Shichahai station (Line 8), Exit A2 — a few minutes to Qianhai; Beihai North (Line 6) for the south end |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours for a lake loop and boat; pairs naturally with Gulou or Nanluoguxiang |
| Best time to go | Late afternoon through sunset; winter brings ice skating on the frozen lake |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value8.5
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- How much does boating on Houhai cost?
- Roughly CNY 180/hour for a four-person pedal boat, CNY 240/hour for a four-person electric boat, and about CNY 280 for six-person electric — per boat, not per person. Boats run about 9:00-18:00 with last tickets around 17:00. Several piers dot Qianhai and Houhai.
- How do I get to the lakes?
- Line 8 to Shichahai station drops you a few minutes from Qianhai; Line 6 to Beihai North works for the southern shore. From the Drum Tower it's a five-minute walk downhill to Silver Ingot Bridge.
- Can I ice skate on Houhai in winter?
- Yes — when the ice is thick enough (usually deep winter, roughly January), official skating areas open on the lake with skate and ice-bike rentals. It's one of Beijing's great winter traditions, alongside the famous elderly winter swimmers who dip year-round.
- What's a good walking route?
- Start at Silver Ingot Bridge, loop Houhai counterclockwise along the north bank (quieter, better willow shade), detour into the hutongs around Yandai Xiejie, and finish at Qianhai for a boat or a snack. The full Houhai loop is a leisurely hour without stops.
- Is there anything historic to see, not just scenery?
- Prince Gong's Mansion — one of Beijing's grandest courtyard complexes — sits just west of Qianhai and is worth 1-2 hours (book ahead; it caps entry). Yandai Xiejie, the crooked old pipe-makers' lane, and the Guanghua Buddhist Temple on Houhai's north shore add texture.
- Rickshaw hutong tours around Shichahai — yes or no?
- They're heavily hawked here and quality varies wildly. If you want one, agree on the price, route, and duration before getting in, and expect it to be a fun gimmick rather than deep history. Walking the same lanes free is honestly just as good.
- Are the Houhai bars worth it?
- Mostly no — the lakeside strip is dueling sound systems and tourist pricing. Have one drink on a terrace for the water view if you like, then head to the hutongs toward Gulou for better bars at half the price. The lake itself is the show.
- What's the difference between Shichahai, Houhai, and Qianhai?
- Shichahai is the whole scenic area covering three lakes: Qianhai (front, nearest the Drum Tower and busiest), Houhai (back, the biggest and most famous), and Xihai (west, quietest). Silver Ingot Bridge marks the pinch point between Qianhai and Houhai.
Nearby in Ask Beijing
- Prince Gong's MansionAttraction0.58 km · 7 min walk
- Gulou (Drum and Bell Tower Quarter)Neighborhood0.61 km · 8 min walk
- Nuage (Qingyun Lou)Restaurant0.96 km · 12 min walk
- Drum Tower and Bell TowerAttraction1.1 km · 14 min walk
- The Orchid BarBar1.44 km · 18 min walk
Where to stay near Shichahai and Houhai Lakes
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