Beijing Shichahai
Shichahai is a majestic lake situated in downtown Beijing. For centuries it has provided local residents with a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the day.
More recently, the lake has benefited from improvements to its environment which has worked to enhance its natural charms. Today, it is a true oasis amidst the sea of activity taking place in the surrounding metropolis and provides a tranquil escape to stressed workers seeking a sense of space and well-being. So today we hit the road with Yunfeng for a much-needed relaxing walk around this ancient yet peaceful lake district — Shichahai!
When you walk around Shichahai, a sense of its history inevitably hits you. Composed of three man-made lakes, Qianhai (“Front Sea” Lake), Houhai (“Rear Sea” Lake) and the lesser-known Xihai (“West Sea” Lake) once formed part of a system of waterways that fed into the Imperial Capital. For centuries wooden boats carrying produce from the south would make the journey up the Grand Canal and enter the city via these waterways.
Those days are long gone. After a period of decline, the lakes, are now a prime recreational destination. With overhanging willows lining its banks and café bars tucked away in its many secluded corners, it is also a delightful area to relax over a drink while watching life on and off the water.
White Dagoba Temple (Baita Si)
Located at the Western District inside Beijing City is a Buddhist temple called White Dagoba Temple. It got its name from a white old dagoba inside the temple. In the same year after the dagoba was built, a magnificent temple was constructed with the dagoba as its centerpiece. In 1368 during the Yuan Dynasty, the Temple was destroyed by thunder and fire, only the dagoba remained intact. Most of the buildings you can now see inside the Temple were constructed in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). The Temple was reconstructed in 1457 during the Ming Dynasty and was repaired in the following dynasties. The Temple originally had the name “Temple of Great Holy Longevity and Eternal Peace”. It was named “Miaoyingsi” after it was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). The common people call the Temple by its more popular name, the White Dagoba Temple.
Shi Sha Hai Area
Because of my job, personally I know this place very well, that was at least 10 years ago, before it gets so much attention.
Read all »
Beihai Park
Beside the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, in the center of Beijing City is an imperial garden called Beihai Park. Initially built in the 10th century, it has a history of over a thousand years, including five dynasties, Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty (916–1911).
Jingshan Park, Coal Hill
The Coal Hill Park lies right to the north of the Palace Museum. It used to be a private garden of the imperial family. When the Imperial Palace was built in the early Ming Dynasty, the earth excavated to make the moat was piled up, and five peaks took shape. Coal was once heaped around the foot of the hill, it is therefore also known as Coal Hill. In Qianlong’s time, fruit trees grew and birds were raised in the grounds, the place was then called the Hundred Fruits Garden.
Beijing Zoo
The Beijing Zoo was built in 1906 and opened to the public in 1908 with an area of about 10 hectares and a few humble pavilions to house the animals. At that time only several dozens of species were shown. such as lions, tigers, leopards and monkeys.
Midnight of June 9th, World Cup
Shishahai Lake
A little hutong in the Shishahai area
Bars were full of guests watching the Opening Ceremony
A very beautiful night
Driving to the bar would not be a good idea
Fobidden City in the midnight
June 4th, Xidan Shopping Street
Xidan shopping street is one of the most popular shopping areas in Downtown Beijing
