[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Back Lakes (Hou Hai) (Updated May)

#北京旅行 Beijing Houhai is a famous body of water in Beijing, known for its beautiful lakes and ancient street culture. It is an ideal place to explore Beijing's history and modern life. 💞Recommendation reason: 🌟Charming lake scenery Houhai has a vast water surface and beautiful natural environment, which makes people feel the strong Jiangnan water village style, especially after nightfall, the scenery is particularly beautiful. 👍 🌟Ancient street culture The streets and alleys surrounding Houhai are a microcosm of Beijing's history. You can stroll through the narrow alleys and appreciate the charm of traditional ancient buildings. Every street and alley here is full of stories, making people feel the charm of Beijing. 👏🏻 🌟Food and Bars There are many restaurants and bars around Houhai, offering a wide variety of food and drinks. Whether you want to taste authentic Beijing snacks or enjoy the night view by the river, this is a great place. #BeijingAttractions #100TravelWays #OctoberDestinations2024 #CheckIn #NightView

The drum tower is the start of the magnificent central axis dated back to the YUAN Dynasty, featuring the smart, thoughtful, and scientific design of an ancient city. Walking along the central axis will cover all the major must see attractions and most iconic ancient structures in Beijing. The VR game inside the drum tower was both very fun and educational. Adults will like it too.#Central axis BJ #familytravel

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 daxing airport metro station to shichihai metro station 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Beijing CSN Pearl Hotel 💡 Tips

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Must see! A very detailed guide to Beijing Beihai Park Family members, it would be a pity if you didn’t visit Beihai Park when you come to Beijing! This place is not simple. As an ancient royal garden, it is full of historical charm and contains countless beautiful scenery. It is a great place for us to experience the style of old Beijing. Basic Information 📍Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. The location is easy to find and can be reached directly by subway. 🚇Transportation: Get off at Beihai North Station on Metro Line 6, exit from Exit B or Exit D, and walk to the park entrance in a few minutes. The transportation is super convenient and you don’t have to worry about traffic jams. 🎫Tickets: You can buy tickets in advance on the official account "Visit the Park", or you can buy tickets on site. Affordable price, great value for money. 🕙Opening hours: 6:30 - 21:00, admission stops at 20:30. It is recommended that you go early so that you can play longer and avoid the peak crowds. Attractions As soon as you enter Beihai Park, you can see the rippling blue waves of Beihai Lake. The lake water is crystal clear and the White Pagoda in the distance is reflected in it, which is as beautiful as a painting. Walking along the lake with the breeze blowing on your face is so pleasant. When you walk to Qionghua Island, you can see the White Pagoda up close. This Tibetan-style white pagoda stands tall and majestic and has a long history. Any photo of it will turn out great. There is also the Five Dragon Pavilion, with five pavilions lined up in a row with unique shapes. The lake view here is superb. The Tuancheng in the park is also not to be missed. It has exquisite architecture, towering ancient trees and is very charming. In winter, the lake freezes and you can skate on it, which is very interesting. Travel Suggestions Enter the park in the morning and go to Qionghua Island first. While there are fewer people, you can appreciate the White Pagoda and take photos. Then stroll along the lake, stop to rest when passing by the Five Dragon Pavilion and enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains. At noon, try Beijing specialties such as noodles with soybean paste and pea yellow in the restaurant in the park. The taste is authentic. In the afternoon, visit Tuancheng and experience its history and culture. If you come in the summer, you can also go boating on the lake; in the winter, don't miss ice skating. In the evening, find a corner in the park and quietly enjoy the beauty of Beihai Lake under the afterglow of the sunset. Precautions • The park is large, so remember to wear comfortable shoes when visiting, otherwise your feet will hurt after walking for a long time. • Pay attention to the weather in advance. The view will be better and the photos will be more beautiful on sunny days. If it rains, remember to bring an umbrella. Beihai Park has a unique charm in the rain. • There are more tourists during the peak season, so you may need to queue up to take photos at popular attractions. Be patient. • Take care of the park environment, do not litter, and play in a civilized manner.

Beijing tricycle tour of Siheyuan, not a single one allows everyone to tour in detail, only a small hall is open, and it is already westernized. Friends who want to truly understand Siheyuan should pay attention 💰Average consumption: $200 ‼ ️💢 #旅游小提示 #四合院 Tricycles are a great option for touring the Siheyuans in Beijing, but they do have some limitations. Here are some key points to note: ### Price - **Tricycle fee**: Generally between 50 and 100 RMB, depending on the distance and duration of the trip. - **Entrance Fee**: If there is an open courtyard house, there may be an entrance fee, usually between 10 and 30 RMB. ### Contents - **Visiting experience**: Although most of the Siheyuan are not open to the public, their traditional architectural style can be observed from the outside. - **Westernized Small Hall**: An open small hall may display some modern decorations in contrast to the traditional style. - **Cultural Introduction**: It is recommended to find a tour guide or participate in cultural activities to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural background of the Siheyuan. ### Tips - **Book in advance**: If you want to visit a specific courtyard, it is best to contact in advance. - **Avoid peak hours**: Choose non-holiday or weekdays to travel to avoid crowds. Hopefully this information can help you better plan your trip to Siheyuan!

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent This place is really famous for its rooftop cafe, it's called Shanghai Bar Street and it's one of my favorite places. And this place turns into an ice rink in the cold winter. The river freezes over and makes a really solid ice rink, so I really recommend you all visit there. It's the best in Beijing. ㅎㅎ

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent This is my favorite place, called Shanghai Bar Street. It's one of my favorite places. And this place turns into an ice rink in the cold winter. The river here freezes over and creates a really solid ice rink. I really recommend you all to visit there. It's the best in Beijing.

⏳Day 1: Central Axis Tour 🕙Morning ✅Tiananmen Square Watch the flag-raising ceremony, approx. 06:30–08:00 (the exact time of the flag-raising ceremony varies by season) You can also take photos of the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station. ✅The Palace Museum (09:00–12:30) 1. Mainstream route: Meridian Gate → Three Great Halls → East and West Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess (this route is more crowded). 2. Less crowded route: Visit the sides of the central axis, which are much less crowded. 🧳Book in advance: Book online in advance and rent an audio guide (CNY 20). 🕙Noon 🖼Lunch recommendation: Corner Tower Cafe or Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant near the Palace Museum. Both are popular restaurants with long lines. 🕙Afternoon ✅Jingshan Park (13:30–14:30) Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Palace Museum. Tickets are CNY 2, which is a great deal. ✅Nanluoguxiang + Shichahai (15:00–18:00) Visit the small shops in the hutongs and see the old houses. Then walk to Shichahai, where you can go boating (or ice skating in winter). 🕙Evening 🖼Restaurant recommendation: There are many bars in Houhai. Choose one to enjoy music and dinner. ⏳Day 2: Imperial Gardens + Modern Landmarks 🕙Morning ✅Summer Palace (08:30–12:00) 🗓Route: East Palace Gate → Long Corridor → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Kunming Lake Boat Ride → Seventeen-Arch Bridge. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station. 🕙Afternoon ✅Old Summer Palace (13:30–16:00) 💰Tickets: CNY 25. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Park Station. 🕙Evening ✅Olympic Park (17:00–18:30) The ginkgo leaves are beautiful in autumn, making this a must-see spot. The Bird's Nest and Water Cube are nearby, so you can visit them too. The lights are beautiful at night. 🏨Hotel recommendation: Hotels near Wangfujing and Qianmen are close to subway stations and attractions.

Xihai, also known as Jishuitan, is a rare wetland in the center of Beijing. It consists of water area and surrounding green space, as well as historical sites such as Huitong Temple, Sanguan Temple, Jingye Temple, Puji Temple, and Deshengmen Arrow Tower. More than 30 biological species, large tracts of aquatic plants and more than 700 weeping willows, mountain peaches, Chinese pine and other trees and shrubs by the water make the wetland landscape here rich in species and lush. It is both simple and natural, yet full of sentiment. Time is suspended in the hustle and bustle of life, as if returning to the picturesque scenery described by Mr. Lao She. It is still the same Peking, the same fascinating Peking. 💚Along the river bank, there stands the ⭐Xihai Art Museum⭐. Recently there will be a free exhibition of Xu Zhan's realistic ink figure paintings, and the works are worth seeing. 🔶Exhibition time: August 15, 2024 - October 15, 2024 🔶Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30-22:00 🔶There are coffee and snacks in the museum. If you are tired of shopping, you can stop here to drink coffee and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xihai Wetland Park. It is very comfortable. 📌TIPS: 📍Location: Just search for Xihai Wetland Park on the navigation. 💰Tickets: Free ⏱️Visit duration: 1-3 hours 🚎Transportation: Metro Line 2 Inner Ring, Jishuitan Station D Southwest Exit 💜Nearby: 🌟It is separated from Houhai by Deshengmen Street, where there are delicious and fun things to do. 🌟When the sun sets, you can rent a boat to row on the Houhai Sea, pass by the Yinding Bridge, and hear the bar singers singing. The years are quiet and good, nothing more than that. 👔 Dress: 🔺Be sure to wear comfortable sports shoes, jio jio friendly. 🔺The ultraviolet rays outdoors are very strong, so you must take good sun protection. 🔺Mosquitoes are very poisonous outdoors, so wind oil is a must. 🩵Compared to the crowded Houhai, Xihai Wetland Park is small, less crowded, and quiet. It is the perfect place for being alone, sketching, and taking your kids out for a walk.

Walking around Houhai District at night, the people around are all locals, which doesn’t feel out of place. Coupled with the colorful light installation art, one can’t help but admire the beauty of the city planning here❣️

Beijing's Most Powerful Energy Field - Beihai Park Complete Travel Guide📖 Since childhood, the melodious tune of 'Let's Paddle Our Oars' has lingered in my ears, painting a dreamlike picture of Beihai Park in my heart: a small boat gently gliding over the green waves, the beautiful silhouette of the White Pagoda swaying in the water, surrounded by lush green trees and red walls, like a fairyland. This longing, like a seed deeply buried in my heart, has been nurtured by time and is now in full bloom. Stepping into Beihai Park, slow down and appreciate the perfect blend of classical and natural beauty. Rent a small boat, paddle it yourself, and let your soul gently sway with the water, enjoying the tranquility and freedom. 📝Practical Information 📍Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 🚘Driving: There is a parking lot at the south gate 🚇Subway: Take Line 6 to Beihai North Station 🎫Tickets: Purchase tickets online, scan the code to enter the park, no ticket required, but you need to swipe your ID card (annual park pass available) ⏰Opening Hours: January - March, November - December 6:30 - 20:00 April - May, September - October 6:00 - 21:00 June - August 6:00 - 22:00 💡Recommended Attractions North: Jingxinzhai, Nine-Dragon Wall, Xitian Fanjing South: White Pagoda on Qionghua Island, Yong'an Temple 🗺️Tour Routes 1️⃣Time-Saving Route Enter from North Gate 2 - Xitian Fanjing - Nine-Dragon Wall - Five-Dragon Pavilion - Take a boat from the Five-Dragon Pavilion Pier to Qionghua Island - White Pagoda - Yong'an Bridge - Return to Five-Dragon Pavilion Pier - Exit from North Gate 2 2️⃣Non-Boat Route Enter from South Gate - Yong'an Temple - White Pagoda - Qionghua Island - Huafangzhai - Jingxinzhai - Xitian Fanjing - Nine-Dragon Wall - Exit from North Gate 2 ➡️North Shore Pier Operating Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Four-seat electric boat 180 RMB/hour, deposit 400 RMB Six-seat electric boat 220 RMB/hour, deposit 600 RMB Four-seat pedal boat 120 RMB/hour, deposit 400 RMB Six-seat pedal boat 180 RMB/hour, deposit 400 RMB ➡️Boat Routes Lake Tour Dragon Boat: 50 RMB/trip, about 20 minutes. (Same pier for boarding and alighting) 🌈Travel Tips 👉According to maritime regulations, park boats will stop operating when the wind reaches level 4 or above. Unfortunately, the day we went, the boats were not operating, which was a pity. 👉Nearby Attractions: Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, Yandai Xiejie, Houhai, Drum Tower

The best and most calming time to visit Houhai lake in Beijing is early in the morning. Old aunts and uncles clearing the streets, people running, walking, and enjoying the peace. Of course you might also catch a glimpse of the daring ice swimmers here, too! One of my favourite places early morning in Beijing. Of course, hanging out here in the night is fun too! No crowds here! #houhai #Beijing #historicallandmarks

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

Shichahai is also called "Shichahai". There were originally ten Buddhist temples around it, so it is called this. The famous "A Brief Account of the Scenery of the Imperial Capital" praises the charm of Shichahai with "West Lake in spring, Qinhuai in summer, and Dongting in autumn". It is also known as the "Northern Water Town". Shichahai consists of Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai, and is connected to the waters of Zhongnanhai. It is the largest and most intact historical district in Beijing. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Who knows about the cheap B&B that I stayed in 5 times with my bestie? Right in Beijing!! Just checked out and it was so worth it!! This B&B is definitely top-notch in Beijing hotel rankings!!√ Affordable Ioft√ Giant screen projection√ Near Universal Studios Sisters who want to go to Beijing in October really can't miss this one!! The location of the B&B is great 10 minutes walk to the subway station and 5 minutes walk to the business district. The subway goes directly to Universal Studios!!! It is very convenient to go to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Nanluoguxiang, and Houhai! Great room design The milk tea color is really gentle and looks great for taking photos and checking in!! I feel like I'm falling into the gentle land of milk tea~ √Ins style decoration√Milk tea color sofa√Bathtub photos are full of Japanese style! The price/performance ratio is really great √High appearance√Excellent location√High cost performanceThe landlord is also very nice and basically meets all your needs!Clean environment and complete facilities Don't live too comfortably!!! Address: Beili, Zhuanchang, Tongzhou, Beijing

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!

Transportation Strategy - Taking a taxi is better, especially at night, safer Local famous - Sanlitun Bar Street is no longer, maybe because of this, Houhai Bar Street more bars settled, used to live band here in the local bar characteristics, now too many, but feel very noisy, especially outside the store LED light strip, destroy the night view, and countless so many people soliciting customers, like Shenzhen Dongmen, some live bands still sing very bad. Rating: 3.5/5 #Beijing Houhai