Shichahai(什刹海), also known as “Shichahai(十刹海)”. It is a large artificial lake left over from the Yuan Dynasty, and has a history of nearly 1,000 years.
Imagine that in the past thousand years, this water has witnessed the changes of Beijing and carried countless stories and legends, isn’t it especially magical?
History of Shichahai
Shichahai, in fact, consists of a string of six connected lakes, which are arranged in order from west to east and north to south, namely, the West Sea (also known as Jishuitan), the Houhai, the Qianhai, the Beihai, the Zhonghai and the Nanhai.
In the Yuan Dynasty, Mongolians used to call lakes and puddles “Hai Zi”, so the name “Shichahai” has been used until now.
According to experts, the history of Shichahai can be traced back to the Kublai period of the Yuan Dynasty.
Because there are nine nunneries and one temple in the surrounding area, the name “Shicha(十刹)” was given to it, and it is said that the city planning of the Yuan capital was also inspired by this area of water.
In addition to the West Sea and the Back Sea, which are surrounded by some residential areas, the North Sea, the Central Sea and the South Sea were all royal sanctuaries and gardens from the Liao and Jin Dynasties until the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
In particular, the Zhonghai and Nanhai, collectively known as the “Zhongnanhai”, were adjacent to the west side of the Forbidden City, and were used by the emperors and members of the royal family of the Ming and Qing dynasties as a place of leisure and recreation.
Did you know? After the Hundred Days’ Reform, Emperor Guangxu was placed under house arrest at Yingtai in the South China Sea, where he spent the last years of his life.
In the 1950s, the name “Zhongnanhai” became even more special and important as it became the residence of the Communist Party of China and its top leaders, including Mao Zedong.
Natural Scenery of Shichahai
Shichahai is not only rich in history, but also beautiful in nature. Shichahai is not only rich in history, but also beautiful in nature. It is a great place for summer fun, like a painting in ink and water, which makes people forget to go back and forth.
The lake surface of the blue ripples, water and sky, surrounded by green trees and flowers.
In summer, the lotus flowers bloom, and the view is simply beautiful.
Moreover, the orange sunset of Shichahai is also a major attraction. Whenever the sun sets, the whole lake is dyed golden yellow, which is so beautiful that people are intoxicated.
After nightfall, Shichahai is even more unique.
Boats on the lake, and the lights along the shore reflect each other, as if a flowing scroll.
In the summer night, there will be all kinds of concerts and cultural performances, so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also enjoy the cultivation of art.
Yinzhuo Bridge is a dividing line of Shichahai, after which is Houhai.
When the weather is good, you can see the western mountains in the distance from the Yinzhuo Bridge, which is the famous “Yinzhuo Mountain View”.
You can rent a boat and enjoy the lake view; you can also rent a car and ride around the lake to feel the breeze on your face.
Speaking of the silver ingot bridge, there is a historical story.
This bridge is the place where Wang Jingwei bombed Zai Feng. Zai Feng was the younger brother of Guangxu and the father of Xuantong, the last regent of the Qing Dynasty. He lived on the north shore of Houhai, and the Yinding Bridge was a must-visit place for him to commute to work.
Wang Jingwei’s feat not only made him a success, but also left him with the grandiose words “to lead the sword into a fast, not to live up to the head of a young man”.
Shichahai’s Cuisine and Flavor
Shichahai is not only beautiful in its natural scenery, but also a highlight in its cuisine.
Especially Houhai, which is Beijing’s famous bar street with various styles of bars and cafes, is the first choice for young people’s night life.
Here, you can taste a variety of fine wines and food, as well as enjoy exciting live performances.
There are often various folk performance activities around Houhai, such as Peking Opera, comedy, acrobatics and so on, so that you can enjoy the food and feel the charm of traditional culture at the same time.
Of course, Shichahai’s food is more than that.
Old Beijing Lo Mein is a traditional local snack with unique seasoning and mellow taste;
Red Willow Skewers are famous for their large pieces of lamb and special grilling method, which makes people savor the taste;
Roasted Duck is perfectly blended with rolls, scallions and sauces, which is a classic of Peking Cuisine;
Shabu Shabu is also not to be missed, with its tender meat and mellow soup, which will make you want to eat more.
In addition, there are century-old restaurants around Shichahai, such as Roast Pork and Qing Yun Lou, whose dishes are distinctive and popular among diners.
Smoking bag diagonal street is also worth a visit, where there are antiques, flavorful snacks and so on, so that you can feel the flavor of old Beijing while shopping.
Traditional Beijing snacks such as corset fire roast and fried liver are also a specialty of Shichahai.
There are also various flavors of restaurants for you to choose from, no matter what flavor of food you like, you can find delicacies to satisfy your taste buds here.
Travel Tips
Transportation: Directly connected to Shichahai Station on Subway Line 8, accessible by Bus No. 5/60/107
Best Season: June-August for lotus appreciation and rafting, December-February for ice sports
Shichahai, a place that combines history, natural sceneries, food and flavors, is really a worthwhile tourist attraction. Whether you come to Beijing to travel, or to feel the flavor of old Beijing, do not miss this beautiful place Oh!