Shichahai Lake

Shichahai Lake, to the north of Di'anmen Xidajie and west of Di'anmen Dajie, belongs to the same water system as Beihai Lake and Zhongnanhai Lake. It consists of three lakes stretching from southeast to northwest, namely Qianhai Lake (Shichahai Lake), Houhai Lake, Xihai Lake (Jishuitan Lake) and there are many places of historical interest along the lakefront. The three lakes connecting together, with quiet and elegant environment around, make them famous places of interest in Beijing. Hutongs and Sihe Yards are the most typical specialty in Shichahai scenic area. There are also many gardens, the well-preserved Prince Mansions (Wangfu) and former residences of great figures. Here we will take the bicycle to explore this picturesque and cultural area at close hand, mainly the Hutongs around Houhai Lake which is the most beautiful part of Shichahai.

The tour starts at the Drum Tower. You can take your own bicycle or rent one from the rental spot near the Drum Tower. Ride westward along Gulou Xidajie and turn left at the first intersection to a narrow Hutong, Dashibei Hutong. Riding along Dashibei Hutong, you will find a turn to another Hutong - Xiaoshibei Hutong- which you may detour to see or not, as you wish. Dashibei Hutong connects to Yandai Xiejie as a semicircle.

Yandai Xiejie

Yandai Xiejie, Tobacco Pipe Lean Street, is a quaint 800-year-old Hutong, used to be famous for sellers of tobaccos and pipes, and also the street looks like a long-stemmed pipes itself, hence the name. Today, it is a street lined with numerous and various antique stores and trendy bars. It is one of the most characteristic old-fashioned Hutongs in Beijing.

At the ends of Yandai Xiejie is a crossroad. Ride straight without turning. When you find Guanghua Temple on your right hand, you are entering Ya'er Hutong. Continue riding straight to the end of Ya'er Hutong, where there will be an intersection. Turn left and ride along the southwest-northeast direction road. At the end of the road is the north bank of Houhai Lake. Turn left and ride straight along the north bank of Houhai Lake (Houhai Beiyan) which surrounds the lake as a circle. About 5-10 minutes later, you will see the Yinding Bridge. Standing on the Yingding Bridge, you may enjoy the so-called "Gazing at the mountains from the silver ingot", which is one of the Eight Scenic Spots in ancient Beijing.

Ride across the Yinding Bridge and turn right to ride along the south bank of Houhai Lake (Houhai Nanyan). At the end of Houhai Nanyan, there will be a fork to the south direction - Liuyin Street (Liuyinjie). You just need to turn right at the end of Houhai Nanyan and that street will be Liuyin Street. Ride along Liuyin Street and you will pass by Prince Gong's Mansion and Garden which is on your left hand. If you are interested, you can stop for a visit.

Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion (Gongwangfu Residence & Garden) is Beijing's largest and the best preserved Qing Dynasty princely mansion that illustrates the culture and life- style of the Imperial China's elite. It is a fine example of ancient Chinese architecture and was originally the private residence of an imperial minister. The dwelling is a traditional courtyard mansion of a style that was popular in imperial Beijing among the wealthy. The garden, surrounded by artificial mountains, is known as Jincui Yuan, and is highly regarded on account of its intricate layout and distinct design. There is also a Grand Theatre House that today presents several performances of Chinese opera each day.

Liuyin Street connects with Qianhai Xijie. Ride along Qianhai Xijie and turn left at the first crossroad, then turn right at the first intersection, where the Nanguanfang Hutong is. Ride along the Nanguanfang Hutong to the end without turning to Houhai Nanyan. Here you can see the Yinding Bridge to the left direction (north direction). Pass across Yinding Bridge and ride straight forward along Xiaoshibei Hutong. At the end of Xiaoshibei Hutong is the Dashibei Hutong, which you rode through at the beginning of the tour. From here, ride back to the Drum Tower to return your bicycle.  Your tour ends here.