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Shicha Lake (The Three Rear Lake), Beijing

General Introduction

Shicha Lake, located in the southwest of the Drum Tower, has a history of about 700 years from Yuan Dynasty. The lake got its present name in Ming Dynasty. "Shicha" refers to ten temples, which at one time stood on the banks of the lake. It is part of old Beijing where the Hutong alleyways and the courtyard houses are well preserved. No matter how small, each family here has a little courtyard of its own or sharing with their neighbors. Shicha Lake Scenic Zone stretches from the Second Ring Road in the north to Ping’an Avenue in the south and from Di’anmenwai Street in the east to Xinjiekou Street in the west, covering a total area of 146.7 hectares. Shicha Lake Scenic Zone consists of Xihai (West Lake), Houhai (Back or Rear Lake) and Qianhai (Front Lake). There are many historical sites here such as the Former Resident of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1978) who is the wife of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the honorary president of People’s Republic of China; Guo Moruo Museum and Guanghua Temple. Especially, the Houhai Lake Bar Area in this zone is really popular.

Houhai Lake Bar Area

Houhai Lake Bar Area, located north to the Qianhai Lake and connected to the Beihai Park, is one of the most famous nightlife spots in Beijing. Lots of open air jazz music bars and restaurants lie along the shore of the manmade lake. And the bars at the northern end of the lake have sofas put out right by the water. It is really nice to sit down in a sofa by the lake and enjoy an iced tea or cocktail. Visitors also can rent a boat to paddle on the lake. As it is open water in the city center, visitors on a boat can appreciate Beijing city from a different angle. Interestingly, most places of it are very quiet, therefore Houhai Lake Bar Area is really a good place for strolling, drinking and talking with friends, or just listen to the pop songs in sofa.