Shichahai------A Historic Scenic Area

Shichahai (Chinese: 什刹海) is a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes in the north of central Beijing in China. They are located to the north-west of the Forbidden City and north-west of the Beihai Lake. Shichahai consists of the following three lakes: Qianhai, Xihai and Houhai. In imperial times it was called the Riverbank.

Shichahai consists of 147 hectares and dates back to the Jin Dynasty. From the time of the Yuan Dynasty it was the northernmost part of the Grand Canal linking Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the North of China. Because of this, the Shichahai area used to be the most important commercial district with all kinds of activities going on. It harbors several temples and mansions.

With the development of hundreds of years, Shichahai combines different cultures of all estates from emperors to common people. The abnormity but dense Hutongs and Quadrate Yards around the lake represent the culture and history of ancient Beijing. Like pearls sprinkle the lake, the around natural scapes and historical sites reflect the style and features of ancient Beijing. Some well-known attractions are the Prince Gong Mansion, the Silver Ingot Bridge and Yandaixie Street (Tobacco Pipe Lane); the bar street here are popular among locals and tourists from in and abroad. In 1992 the municipal government of Beijing declared the district a "Historical and Cultural Scenic District".

Around the lake there are ten famous Taoist and Buddhist temples and several formal royal mansions and gardens. The most well known are the Prince Gong Mansion and the Prince Chun Mansion.

In 1992 the municipal government of Beijing declared the district an "Historical and Cultural Scenic District". Shichahai is a famous scenic spot in Beijing, and it is near the north-gate of the Beihai Park. With borders of the lakes surrounded by large trees, tourists can rent boats to paddle on the lakes in summer. And in the winter many people come to ice-skate.

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