Shichahai Beijing - A Beautiful Sightseeing Destination in the City Center

Located in the bustling center of Beijing, there’s a picturesque and tranquil area full of charm known as Shichahai. It is regarded as a gem of Beijing and a cultural and historical preservation site of China. Alongside its clear blue lakes, Shichahai also boasts many distinctive scenic spots and enjoyable activities. Join Vietjet to discover the breathtaking beauty of this place!

Shichahai is considered the largest cultural and historical preservation area among the 25 recognized sites in Beijing.

1. Where is Shichahai Located?

Shichahai is situated in Xicheng District, close to the city’s central axis, connecting to Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the Communist Party of China. Covering a water surface area of 336,000m², it is recognized as the largest cultural and historical preservation area among the 25 officially recognized sites in Beijing in 2000.

2. How to Get to Shichahai

2.1 Getting to Beijing

The safest, most comfortable, and fastest way to travel from Vietnam to Beijing is by airplane. The flight duration ranges from 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. If you opt for a transit flight to save costs, it may take around 10 and a half hours or more. You can choose to land at one of the two airports: Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport, with the latter being closer to the city center.

2.2 Getting to Shichahai

Beijing’s public transportation is highly developed, making it easy for you to reach Shichahai using one of the following three modes:

Taxi: Suitable when traveling with friends or family. Taxis in China operate 24/7, so even if you’re out late, it’s not an issue. The fare ranges from 10 - 20 CNY/km (approximately 35,000 - 70,000 VND), depending on the city, traffic conditions, and time of day.
Bus: The cheapest option, saving you money with fares as low as 3,000 VND/person.
Subway: A popular choice among tourists for its convenience, affordability, and availability. The fare is around 10,000 VND/person per trip. The subway operates from early morning until late at night, frequently connecting you to sightseeing spots. To reach Shichahai Beijing, take Line 6 to Beihai North Station.

3. A Brief Overview of Shichahai

Shichahai means “Lake of Ten Temples,” as the area was once surrounded by 10 Buddhist and Taoist temples. It consists of three lakes: Qianhai, Xihai, and Houhai (also known as Jishuitan). With its clear waters and stunning natural scenery, Shichahai is also called “the water town in the north.” Since the Qing dynasty, it has been a favorite spot for enjoying the scenery and leisure activities in the capital.

Many ancient architectural structures in Shichahai play a significant role in the area’s historical milestones, contributing to its cultural and political values. These include Prince Gong Mansion (He Shen’s Residence), the Former Residence of Madame Song Qingling, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the observation tower at Deshengmen, Guanghua Temple, Huitong Temple, and Hui Xian Hall, among others.

The serene beauty of Shichahai has been praised in the book Scenery of the Old Capital with the verse: “Spring at West Lake, summer at Qinhuai, autumn at Dongting” (Xihu Spring, Qinhuai Summer, Dongting Autumn).

Today, the ancient values of Shichahai blend with the modern vibe of Beijing, as lively bars and bustling food streets have emerged, giving the area a new vitality and attracting many visitors eager to learn about its history and culture.

The boats at Shichahai are modeled after the ones depicted in the famous painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."

4. Exploring Attractions at Shichahai

4.1 Prince Gong Mansion (He Shen’s Residence)

Prince Gong Mansion is the best-preserved royal residence among those still standing today. It was once the home of He Shen, a favorite official of Emperor Qianlong during the Qing dynasty. A popular saying goes, “A single Prince Gong Mansion holds half of Qing dynasty history,” reflecting the opulence of this mansion and He Shen’s power in Chinese history and the Qing dynasty in particular.

The mansion is located in the southwestern corner of Shichahai, nestled in a long, quiet, and green alley. The architectural layout of Prince Gong Mansion mirrors the West Gate of the Old Summer Palace—a masterpiece of imperial architecture. Covering a vast area of 60,000m², the mansion has 99 rooms, all meticulously designed with luxurious and royal aesthetics.

Prince Gong Mansion is the best-preserved royal residence among those still standing today.

4.2 The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Zhonglou and Gulou) are located at the northern end of Di’anmen Street and are must-visit historical landmarks at Shichahai.

You’ll first encounter the Drum Tower, a striking red structure with two stories, standing at 47 meters tall. However, today’s tower is not the original but a replacement built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty. Inside, there is a large drum originally called the Night Patrol Drum, traditionally beaten 108 times. At certain scheduled times, you can witness an impressive and solemn drum performance.

Behind the Drum Tower is the Bell Tower, standing 48 meters tall. Though both towers were built during the same era, the Bell Tower’s exterior is clad in stone bricks that age more noticeably, giving it a more ancient look. Inside is one of China’s largest bells, weighing 57 tons and towering at 7 meters.

The Bell Tower at Shichahai, Beijing, China.

4.3 Yandai Xie Street

Also known as “Pipe Tobacco Street,” Yandai Xie Street lies right in front of the Drum Tower, marking the boundary of the Huaqiao neighborhood in Xicheng District. It was named because, from the late Qing dynasty until the 1920s and 1930s, the area was famous for products catering to smoking, such as pipes and tobacco pouches. Over time, Yandai Xie Street expanded into a market featuring cultural and souvenir items like calligraphy, paintings, antiques, stationery, and handicrafts.

4. Yinding Bridge

At the southern end of Yandai Xie Street, connecting Houhai and Qianhai, lies the stone arch Yinding Bridge. This is a popular check-in spot for visitors at Shichahai. True to its name, the bridge glistens like a silver ingot in the sunlight amidst the clear blue waters. Standing on the bridge, you can take in the majestic scenery of Xishan (Western Hills). The bridge is also associated with a significant historical event: the attempted assassination of Prince Regent Zaifeng by Wang Jingwei in 1910.

4.5 Former Residence of Madame Song Qingling

Madame Song Qingling’s former residence is located on the shore of Houhai in Shichahai. The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, with a picturesque scene of green waters and weeping willows swaying in the breeze.

The estate spans over 20,000m², but the construction area is only about 5,000m². Previously, it was the garden of Prince Chun Zaifeng (father of Emperor Puyi), also known as the Western Garden. Later, it became the residence that holds precious historical milestones tied to the life and career of Madame Song Qingling, one of China’s greatest leaders.

4.6 Shichahai Ice Rink

When winter winds arrive, the serene waters of Qianhai transform into a massive, transparent ice rink, attracting tourists eager to skate and experience the thrill. The rink is divided into various zones to cater to different needs, from basic ice-skating areas to more adventurous ice-carting zones.

5. Some Tips When Visiting Shichahai Beijing

Apply for a Chinese visa 1-2 months in advance and ensure your passport is still valid.
Always carry your passport with you since public places and tourist attractions in China require ID scans for security checks.
The area includes many historical relics and sacred temples, so avoid wearing revealing clothing, using inappropriate language, littering, or discussing sensitive political topics.
Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection items like sunscreen, a jacket, a hat, and sunglasses since you’ll be walking a lot.
Before making any purchases, carefully check prices and haggle to avoid overpaying.
Learn some basic Chinese phrases and download translation apps for your trip.

The peaceful and poetic beauty of Shichahai.

The above are some tips for visiting Shichahai Beijing. I hope they’ll be helpful for your upcoming trip.

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