Rickshaws, Reflections, and Rooftops — A Stroll Through Shichahai

If the Forbidden City shows you Beijing’s imperial side, Shichahai reveals its beating heart. Located just northwest of the city center, Shichahai is a charming area made up of three interconnected lakes — Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai — surrounded by old hutongs, willow-lined walkways, and centuries of quiet stories. I started my day with a stroll around Houhai Lake. Locals were practicing tai chi by the water, and couples paddled slowly in rowboats beneath stone bridges. The reflections of gray-tiled rooftops and leafy willows on the water made everything feel like a scene from a Chinese ink painting. From there, I explored the nearby hutongs — Beijing’s traditional alleyways. I took a short rickshaw tour, and the driver told me stories of old courtyard homes, hidden temples, and famous residents like Song Qingling and Guo Moruo. The hutongs are narrow but full of life — from chatting neighbors to the smell of dumplings steaming behind red doors. For lunch, I grabbed a seat at a rooftop café overlooking the lake and ordered a bowl of zhajiang noodles and a chilled plum juice. Simple, perfect, and very “Beijing.” In the afternoon, I visited the Prince Gong’s Mansion, a quiet oasis with rock gardens, winding corridors, and ancient pavilions. It felt like walking into a forgotten world. As night fell, the lakes lit up with colorful lights and live music echoed from the bars. Shichahai transforms — from a peaceful morning to a vibrant evening scene. It’s not just a place; it’s a rhythm — of old and new, slow and lively, tradition and trend. Shichahai is Beijing’s soul, gently lapping against the edges of time.