Houhai is one of the most vibrant areas in Beijing, featuring lakes, hutongs, and the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of old Beijing. It's great for strolling both day and night, offering a rich nightlife that many locals choose for weekend relaxation.
This article will introduce the main activities in Houhai and its seasonal highlights, helping you experience the most authentic side of old Beijing in just half a day.
Facts of Houhai:
- Location: Shichahai Scenic Area, Xicheng District, Beijing, 4 km (2.5 miles) north of the Forbidden City
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Highlights: Boating, rickshaw rides, bar street
- Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
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What Can I Do in Houhai
Beyond enjoying the lake view and taking a leisurely walk by the water, you could also do these activities.
Glide Across the Lake on a Boat
There are many lakes in Beijing where you could go boating, but Houhai is undoubtedly the most charming.
The lake is wide, and both banks are lined with old Beijing's hutongs and courtyard houses. Boating while watching the willows and pedestrians is incredibly relaxing. Especially at dusk, the sunset reflecting on the water creates a shimmering scene, making it one of the most unforgettable sunset experiences of your trip.
Boating season runs from late March to mid-November. Night boating is available from around May to October, operating until 12 p.m.
Houhai is part of the Shichahai area (which also includes Qianhai and Xihai). While boating, you could explore the entire Shichahai area. There are five docks where you could rent boats, offering pedal boats, electric boats, and rowboats to suit different needs. You could return the boat to any dock, making it convenient without needing to retrace your route.
You could row yourself for a more immersive experience, or hire a boatman for a relaxed and leisurely ride.
To get on a boat faster, we recommend avoiding the busiest Dibaiyou Boating Dock and Lotus Market Dock. The other three docks are less crowded, usually without queues, providing a smoother experience.
Take a Rickshaw Ride around the Lake and Alleys
If you don't want to walk much or are traveling with children or seniors, a rickshaw is a relaxing and fun option.
In China, rickshaws are now mainly found in Beijing and a few other cities as a unique tourist experience. The Houhai area is a great place to experience rickshaws, offering both convenience and a taste of old Beijing.
Rickshaws usually take you around Shichahai, passing by Yinding Bridge and along the Houhai shore, and even through some alleys and hutongs. You don't need to walk or worry about the route, making it suitable for relaxing after a long day or during the summer while enjoying Beijing's scenery at a different pace.
If you're interested in old Beijing life, this is a very atmospheric way to experience it. Rickshaws don't have fixed pick-up points, so you'll encounter them randomly. The standard route typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Regarding rickshaws, you should choose the regular vehicles with license plates on the front or back (just like cars), and the drivers who are wearing white coats and have their work certificates hanging around their necks.
Before starting, discuss your desired route, duration, and price with the driver. If you're concerned about language barriers, you could have your guide arrange and assist.
Walk into Lively Hutongs
If you want to experience the daily atmosphere of Beijing, you could take a stroll through the hutongs around Houhai.
The street layout of Houhai dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, with many ancient buildings showcasing typical traditional Beijing architecture.
Although it's now a popular tourist area, you could still feel the essence of old Beijing. Walking through the alleys, you'll see low gray-walled houses, clothes hanging out to dry, elderly men drinking tea at their doorsteps, and delivery guys on electric bikes, all contributing to a vibrant local life.
Compared to the imperial sites like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, this "living Beijing" feels warmer and more relaxed.
We recommend walking a few minutes from Houhai to explore two of the most representative hutongs: Yandai Xiejie and Nanluoguxiang.
Yandai Xiejie is a quaint alley full of old Beijing charm, lined with low-rise old houses and shops that have been around for decades. You might encounter artisans making candied hawthorns, carving seals, or painting Peking Opera masks.
Nanluoguxiang is much livelier. The street is wider, with unique shops and authentic Beijing snacks like Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), Luzhu Huoshao (stewed intestines), and Baodu (quick-fried tripe). It's a favorite spot for both young people and tourists.
We suggest starting from Yandai Xiejie, walking south through the alleys, and ending at Nanluoguxiang. This way, you could enjoy both tradition and vibrancy, making it ideal for a half-day walk.
Learn more about Beijing's Top Hutongs and Best Snack Streets.
Soak up Nightlife on Bar Street
If you want to experience Beijing's nightlife, don't miss Houhai Bar Street. It's one of the earliest places in Beijing to develop a bar culture and still retains a unique blend of old Beijing and modern vibes.
Along the lakeside, you'll find a variety of bars with different styles. In the evening, lights reflect on the water, and visitors stroll leisurely, creating an atmosphere that's both lively and relaxing.
HouhaiYou could sit outdoors, enjoy a drink, and take in the lake view, or step into a music bar for a live performance by local singers. Most bars here are small to medium-sized with diverse decor—some nostalgic, some artsy, some featuring international cocktails, and others offering locally crafted drinks.
Popular spots include Great Leap Brewing (great for casual chats) and The Roots (ideal for live music). Just choose based on the music and atmosphere you prefer.
Tips:
Many bars have minimum charges and service fees that might not be disclosed upfront. It's a good idea to ask before you enter.
Besides Houhai Bar Street, there are many other options for enjoying Beijing's nightlife. Explore and enjoy a variety of experiences.
A Recommended City Walk Route with Houhai
Houhai offers a tranquil lake, ancient architecture, and bustling streets, making it perfect for a stroll. What's even better is that it's surrounded by Beijing's must-see landmarks like the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Bell and Drum Towers, Beihai Park, and Prince Gong's Mansion.
They're all within walking distance, allowing you to connect them on a city walk. In one trip, you could capture the essence of old Beijing and the grandeur of imperial gardens.
We recommend the following walking route: Shichahai Lake - Yinding Bridge - Houhai Bar Street - Beihai Park - Jingshan Park - Forbidden City.
This arrangement lets you experience the local atmosphere of old Beijing and seamlessly transition to imperial architecture. You could stroll along the lake, admire reflections and boating tourists, or take a short break on Bar Street.
Beihai and Jingshan offer beautiful scenery, suitable for a leisurely visit. From Jingshan, you could enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
The entire route takes about half a day to a full day, depending on whether you visit each attraction. There are plenty of convenience stores and cafes along the way, so you could rest and recharge without much preparation.
If you're interested in this route, see our Top 5 Beijing City Walks.
Best Time to Visit Houhai
Houhai is great to visit year-round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild weather good for leisurely walks along the lake or through the hutongs.
In spring, the willow trees by the lake start to bud, creating a lush green scene. In autumn, especially from mid-October to early November, the ginkgo trees in the hutongs turn a stunning yellow.
Summer can be hot, but the lotus flowers are beautiful. You could visit in the morning or evening, rent a boat, and enjoy the blooming lotuses on the water.
If you visit Beijing in winter, Houhai offers a rare outdoor activity: ice skating on the frozen lake. You could rent skates or ride an ice sled, which is a fun and authentic winter experience.
Skating on Houhai LakeTo learn more about the ideal times to visit, check out Best Time to Visit Beijing guide.
If you're interested in Beijing's autumn ginkgo scenery, click on 6-Day Beijing Autumn Tour.
How to Get There
The subway is the most convenient way to visit Houhai. You could take Line 8 to Shichahai Station and exit at A1 (the closest), or Line 6 to Beihai North Station and exit at B. If you prefer the bus, you could take routes 60, 82, 107, or 124 to Drum Tower Station.
If you want to take a taxi, just set your destination to Shichahai Station. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy around Houhai on weekends and holidays, so public transportation is recommended for a hassle-free experience.
If you plan to visit many attractions in Beijing and want to avoid daily transportation planning, consider our private tour.
We offer a range of vehicle options suitable for couples, families, and more. Enjoy seamless transportation from your hotel to attractions, ensuring an easy journey to your destination. Additionally, our guides can help you make the most of your visit to Houhai.
Travel with China Highlights
Beijing has many attractions besides Houhai. Use our Create My Trip service to start planning your Beijing tour. We are happy to tailor-make your Beijing trip according to your interests and needs.
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