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The Most Beautiful Areas in China
The area of Houhai, Qianhai and Xihai collectively is often referred to as
Shichahai. The water for these lakes comes via canal past the north of Beijing
Zoo from Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace. In turn, the water in Kunming Lake
comes from rainfall in the Western Fragrant Hills.
Houhai and adjoining lakes Xihai and Qianhai were dug out in the Yuan Dynasty
(14th century) to berth barges from the Grand Canal, bringing goods from around
China and beyond to the Emperor in his nearby Forbidden City. The proximity to
the palace explains much of Houhai's still-evident charm - the arched stone
bridges, intricate animal sculptures on canal walls.
However, the distance from the palace was just as important in
shaping life around the lakes. These lakes rapidly became a retreat, for
courtiers, poets, painters and a favorite of the masses. HouHai is situated
between Qianhai and Xihai, just north of Qianhai. Houhai is in the center of the
traditional hutong area of central Beijing. The ancient Drum and Bell Towers are
nearby.
"In Search of Old Beijing", a 1930s guidebook, describes the scene: "During
summer months this "Sea" is a favorite resort of the lower classes that come
here in the thousands to take the air and to spend the day in the numerous
tea-houses along its banks listening to the story-tellers, ballad singers or
other musical entertainment."
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