Shichahai
The Shichahai area is the ideal destination.
It is located situated in the west of old Beijing. It
used to be part of the old Grand Canal of the Yuan Dynasty
600 years ago. And now it is circled by the former palaces
of ministers, temples, well-kept Siheyuans (quadrangle)
as well as residences of celebrities in the past.
Shichahai area still has the ambience
of an ancient city, despite its modern setting. Its
lake waters ripple and glitter around the many lotuses
floating on its surface. Willows line the bank like
a misty green curtain, as a trickle of people cross
the 1,000-year-old bridge. The lakeshore is packed with
young people chatting, drinking and generally relaxing
as wood pigeons coo overhead. The place is well known
a night spot as eastern Beijing's Sanlitun bar street
in the embassy district. The view from Shichahai bar
resembles a watercolor.
"Shichahai" literally means
"ten temple lakes". Shichahai area oe Shichahai
Lake is also the name of three connectd lakes - Qian
Hai Lake, Houhai Lake and Xihai Lake. It used to be
10 temples around the lakes, hence Shichahai Lake. The
Silver Ingot Bridge ( Yinding Bridge ), a narrow channel
joining Qianhai Lake and the Houhai Lake, the hub of
Shichhai area with surrounding quiet hutongs.
Lots of pubs or bars are built along the three lakes.
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