Shichahai

It is an old Beijing scenic area where the classic and the modern coexist, the traditional and the avant-garde blend, and the natural landscapes and cultural heritages reflect each other. Here, there is not only the leisurely life picture of old Beijing under the morning bells and evening drums, but also the modern and fashionable atmosphere under the twinkling neon lights. In the ancient hutongs, the traditional quadrangle courtyards are scattered in an orderly manner. The residents plant flowers and raise birds in the courtyards, living a carefree life. While on the streets outside the hutongs, fashionable coffee shops, trendy art shops and traditional snack stalls are intertwined, forming a unique and charming picture.

The most famous one among them is surely Prince Gong's Mansion. It used to be the residence of Heshen, a corrupt official in the Qing Dynasty. The "treasure of the mansion" is the stele with the character "Fu" written by Emperor Kangxi. This mansion is of a grand scale and its architecture is exquisitely beautiful. From its layout to decoration, it fully displays the royal style and luxurious air. Wandering around it, it seems that one can see the scene of Heshen wielding great power here in those days, and also feel the vicissitudes of history. Every pavilion, terrace and tower, every carved door and window seems to be telling the stories of the past, attracting countless tourists to come and explore.

Shichahai Bar Street is quite lively. Many celebrities used to sing here before they became famous. Some of the more well-known bars are Hutong Impression, Jiadingfang, etc. Whenever night falls, the bar street is brightly lit and music can be heard one after another. In different styles of bars, people either sway heartily to the dynamic music or chat softly to the soothing melody. It is a place where young people release their vitality and passion, and also a good place for tourists to experience the nightlife of Beijing. Moreover, the night view around the bar street is extremely beautiful. The water of Shichahai shimmers under the illumination of lights, interacting with the surrounding buildings, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

If you are interested, fellow travelers can turn into Yandai Xie Street to visit the Qing Dynasty Post Office and get a few beautiful postmarks there as souvenirs. Yandai Xie Street is antique and quaint, with shops standing in rows on both sides of the street, selling various characteristic souvenirs, handicrafts and traditional snacks. Stepping into the Qing Dynasty Post Office is like traveling back to that ancient era. Selecting a few beautiful postcards here and stamping them with the historically significant postmarks will leave a unique and precious memory for your trip to Shichahai. Besides, on Yandai Xie Street, you can also taste authentic Beijing snacks such as fried sauce noodles, douzhi (a traditional Beijing fermented drink), jiaojuan (a deep-fried dough ring), etc., satisfying your taste buds while further experiencing the taste of old Beijing.