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Houhai is the ultimate hangout in Beijing

2010-04-12 17:50 BJT

What is your favourite part of Beijing? Ask anyone Chinese and I bet a fiver they'll say the Houhai area. And,I daresay for many foreigners this park and lake is also considered the ultimate hangout.

 In the evenings the lakeside's shores buzz with activity — people come here to enjoy a relaxing drink and dinner in the bars, cafes and restaurants that line the lakeside.
 In the evenings the lakeside's shores buzz with activity — people come here to
enjoy a relaxing drink and dinner in the bars, cafes and restaurants that line the
lakeside.

Day or night, Houhai is both sophisticated and cool. In the evenings the lakeside's shores buzz with activity — people come here to enjoy a relaxing drink and dinner in the bars, cafes and restaurants that line the lakeside.

And, during the daytime it is really lovely to spend time walking around the three man-made lakes that make up the Houhai area. It is also the ideal place to get a feel for Beijing's changing seasons. In winter you see people skating on the lakes and particularly hardy locals diving into their icy depths.

But once spring hits, Houhai offers quite a different atmosphere. Ducks are out swimming at this time, while many visitors enjoy boat-rides on the lake. You will also spot sunbathers resting after a dip in the water.

Although in recent years Houhai has become yuppified, this part of Beijing has been considered chic for centuries. Houhai and the adjoining lakes of Shichahai and Qianhai are collectively known as the Back Lakes. They were created in the 14th century to berth barges from the Grand Canal that were bringing goods from around China and beyond to the emperor in his nearby Forbidden City.

Related Photo Album of Houhai

Houhai Photo

Nowadays, the best way to see the Hutong is to take a bicycle or pedicab tour in the Houhai area. These tours are often advertised in hotels and tourist magazines. Some of the best preserved Hutong are around the Houhai area. China.Full story >>

 

Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Photo

Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular.Full story >>

 

Houhai area, a place you can visit anytime  Photo

The Houhai area is the kind of place you can visit anytime: during the day you can enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting, and in the evenings the area transforms into party central – it is a firm fixture on the Beijing nightlife scene.  Full story >>