Park Life: Everything You Need to Know About Shichahai Park
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Life's a park! We take a look at Beijing's most beloved parks, dig into what makes each of them special, and why they're worth your time to explore.
The practical stuff
Price: Free
Amenities: A walk around the lakes take visitors by numerous bars and restaurants, many of which feature live music. Concessions stands and window shops around the lakes and in the surrounding hutongs offer many novelty gift shops, milk tea vendors, as well as traditional Beijing foods and snacks.
Known for: The three lakes are the central draw of the park: Houhai, Xihai, and Qianhai. Ten temples are also scattered around this three-square-kilometer park, giving the park its name, which means “lake of the ten temples.” Other attractions include old-style residences and shopping in the historic hutongs.
Visitors go shopping on Yandai Xiejie
A brief history
Under Kublai Kahn’s Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), Beijing was once made the capital of China. The Jin dynasty capital that had been built in the south part of the city had been destroyed by the Mongols, so Kublai Kahn decided to rebuild Beijing into a worthy capital, making Shichahai its central foundation. Through most of the dynasty’s rule, the Great Canal that connects Beijing to the south of China via the Yangtze and other rivers brought prosperity to the city, and at that time the canal terminated in Shichahai, which made its lakes a central point for trade.
Most of the streets in and around the park were constructed during the Yuan dynasty and reflect the style and architecture of that period. However, as visitors walk around the lake, they are also treated to the sights of many historic mansions and residences from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and the Republican Period (1911-1949).
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Ice skaters perform on Houhai lake. The lake is also opened to the public for ice skating.
Boating on the lakes and no shortage of interesting performances around its banks can be seen in the summertime, while ice skating is a popular attraction in the wintertime. The hutongs around the lakes are always (a bit too) bustling in good weather, with plenty of interesting snacks to try. Most famously, Yandai Xiejie is a historical hutong named for its shape, which looks like a bent tobacco pipe. Coming in from Di’anmen Dajie, it is also a great way to get to the lakes when on a tour of the Gulou area.
If you're after more than a snack, you might want to check out one of the historical restaurants (laozihao), such as Kaorouji, serving a lamb and duck dinner that dates back to 1848, or feast on the sheep tripe of Baoduzhong.Peking Opera is performed at Prince Gong's Mansion
Before wrapping up at any number of the lake-side pubs for a nice cold beer, visitors might also want to check out historical sites such as Prince Gong’s Mansion. Once belonging to a Qing dynasty prince, it is now a popular scenic spot that also features regular Beijing opera showings. Other old residences include that of Song Qingling, which features much of the opera star’s original furniture, a beautiful courtyard, and even a dovecot where doves are kept.
Apart from featuring some of the largest lakes in Beijing, Shichahai is one of those rare parks that has something to do year-round, and it is also active day and night as well. For those who come to Beijing for the first time, it is a must-see, and visitors may find themselves spending a number of hours getting lost in its many attractions.
READ: Everything You Need to Know About Tuanjiehu Park
Images: Jacco Tours, Kuaibao, QQ, Prince Gong's Mansion
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