Shichahai in Beijing

To the north of the Beihai Imperial Park stretches a chain of three lakes, which the Chinese, prone to exaggeration, called Shichahai or "ten lands and seas." Around them is the area of ​​Beijing's hutongs - neighborhoods built with traditional Chinese houses with a square courtyard. Most of these areas of the capital, which have turned into slums, have been demolished, but around historical sites and sights they are well-groomed and delight tourists with a truly Chinese flavor. The embankments of Shichakhai are filled with their noisy crowd, and a completely different life flows around the corner. The southernmost lake is called Qianhai, which means "Front Sea". At first glance, its streets look like a theatrical scenery, there are so many outlets that display goods right on the sidewalk in front of the entrance. Through the channel connecting Qianhai and the "Rear Sea" - Lake Houhai, a humpbacked bridge is thrown over Inding, that is, "Silver Ingot". There are also many shops here, but restaurants and entertainment venues predominate. The embankments come to life in the evening and until the morning a crowd of tourists and local residents circles along them. Nearby is the Gongwangfu Palace, which is not much inferior to Gugong. The most peaceful place in Shichahai is the "Western Sea" - Lake Sihai. Tourists rarely wander here, but fishermen have chosen quiet green shores. It is connected with Houhai by a narrow channel, covered from above with crowns of trees. In winter, lovers of ice fishing and ice skating come to the lakes. #beijing #china