Shichahai Park

Shichahai Park, located in the heart of Beijing's Xicheng District, comprises Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai, echoing the "Three Front Seas" of Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai. It is often referred to as the "Three Back Seas," with Houhai being the most famous.

The park is extensive, with a water area of over 300,000 square meters, making it the only open scenic area in inner Beijing with such a large expanse of water. It also includes the largest and best-preserved historic district in Beijing, holding significant importance in both historical and contemporary urban planning.

How beautiful is Shichahai? In "A Brief View of Imperial Beijing," it is praised with the words, "Spring in West Lake, summer in Qinhuai, autumn in Dongting." The absence of winter suggests that winter in Shichahai is beyond comparison. Southern visitors will find a sense of familiarity here, as Shichahai boasts scenery that rivals the water towns of Jiangnan. This has earned it the reputation of being the "Water Town of the North."

The historical and cultural heritage of Shichahai Scenic Area is exceptionally rich. It is home to numerous protected cultural relics and boasts the largest area among Beijing's historical and cultural protection zones. While many people may see Shichahai as just a park with water, its most distinctive features are the surrounding hutongs and siheyuan (courtyard houses). Notable historical sites include Prince Gong's Mansion, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Guanyue Temple, Yandai Diagonal Street, and the former residence of Guo Moruo.