Address: Houhai, Xicheng District, Beijing
Houhai, another name for Shishahai, is an area including Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai. These three lakes, for detailed differentiation from Beihai, Zhonghai and Nanhai, are altogether referred to as Housanhai. This body of water can be traced back to when the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) established its capital, Dadu, in Beijing. The peripheral area surrounding Shishahai has been a bustling business district since the Yuan Dynasty when Dadu centered round the area, thus it came to be known as Beijing's ancient harbor. Back then, restaurants, performance areas and pavilions (similar to today's bars and KTVs) as well as small businesses and workshops lined the banks of the lakes.
The street and lanes of Shishahai came into being in the Yuan Dynasty, hence many buildings, with a long history, have features typical of traditional Beijing architecture. Over 40 protected cultural sites are located in the area. When you wander along the willow lined lake banks, you may well encounter former residences of the imperial families or historical personages. It goes without saying that the real charm of Shishahai is its abundant historical traits, rich dimensions and air of reserve and the great depths of life and culture of the ancient capital.
Shishahai is also a time-honored popular destination for summer outings and fun. Historical records show that each summer there was a myriad of stalls selling tea, food, utensils and commodities and sites for quyi (folk art) performances which lured throngs of people of all social strata. Today’s Houhai is a bar and snack street, where delicacies are offered by century-old restaurants of traditional