Take Subway Line 8 and get off at Shichahai Station. Exit through Exit A2, where you'll see a prominent Starbucks coffee shop. Enter Wannian Hutong from the entrance next to Starbucks and walk a few steps—the beautiful scenery of Shichahai will unfold before your eyes.
Further Reading:[Beijing Free Travel Guide] Must-Visit Attractions, Accommodation, Food, and Costs
Shichahai Tour Route
Comprising Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai, Shichahai is bustling with tourists during the peak summer travel season. My visit focused primarily on the Qianhai area, following this route: Dibao Boat Dock → Temple of the Fire Deity → Gold Ingot Bridge → Lotus Market → Silver Ingot Bridge → Yandai Xiejie.
Shichahai Travel Guide
In the evening, a cool breeze sweeps across Shichahai. A crescent moon hangs overhead, while the distant sky glows crimson with the afterglow of the setting sun, casting an orange hue upon the water's surface. Small boats carrying visitors glide leisurely across the lake, and ducks paddle slowly through the water, leaving behind ripples of shimmering light.
The surrounding tourists bustled about, yet the anglers remained utterly unfazed by the clamor, sitting steadily on the riverside path, eyes fixed intently on their fishing rods.
As night fell, the lights from nearby shops came on, casting reflections that illuminated the entire river. Between the shimmering water and the fading sky lay the warm glow of everyday life.
Following the crowd of visitors, I found myself at the entrance of the Fire God Temple, officially known as the “Imperially Commissioned Temple of the True Lord of Fire.” The temple gates were closed, and the security guard informed me that the Fire God Temple is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A brief introduction to the temple stood at the entrance, noting it was first built in the sixth year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, making it nearly 1,400 years old. Was the Fire God Temple built by the shores of Shichahai because water can extinguish fire?
After visiting the Fire God Temple, I strolled toward the Lotus Market while browsing the various small shops lining the street.
The Lotus Market originated during the Qing Dynasty. With lotus flowers planted throughout Shichahai, merchants began setting up stalls along the lakeshore to sell tea, forming the market's earliest beginnings. In the early years of the Republic of China, the market officially adopted its name. Reopened in 1990, the archway bearing the inscription “Lotus Market” was penned by the renowned calligrapher Qi Gong.
The Lotus Market offers a variety of culinary delights. Along the waterfront, lotus flowers bloom in abundance, with restaurants and tea houses set up by the shore where visitors can dine while enjoying the scenery.
Shichahai features several boat docks, with standard boat rentals priced at 180 yuan per hour for a 4-person pedal boat, 240 yuan per hour for a 4-person electric boat, and 280 yuan per hour for a 6-person electric boat. Many tourists queue up to enjoy the experience.
✅️Ticket Reservations:Trip
Sparkles dance upon the water's surface, The small boat glides as if through starlight, Evoking the ancient verse: “Drunk, I know not sky from water, My boat's dreams weigh down the Milky Way.”
Crossing Yinding Bridge brings you to Yandai Xiejie, one of Beijing's most popular Instagrammable spots. Stretching 232 meters long, this street was known as Gulou Xiejie during the Qianlong era and renamed Yandai Xiejie in the Guangxu period. During the Qing Dynasty, it primarily traded in tobacco paraphernalia, calligraphy mounting, and antique jade artifacts. Today, it's mainly filled with cultural and creative goods and dining options, with the aroma of food permeating the air everywhere.
Guangfu Temple is located within Yandai Xiejie. Admission is free, and it is open from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Inside, visitors can explore an exhibition focusing on Beijing's historical and cultural heritage, primarily featuring a photo display.
Shichahai Transportation and Time Management
Direct Subway Access: Exit A1 from Shichahai Station (Line 8), 5-minute walk to Yinding Bridge; Exit B from Beihai North Station (Line 6), 10-minute walk to Lotus Market.
Off-Peak Visiting: Weekdays before 10:00 AM see fewer crowds, ideal for capturing empty shots; weekends recommend avoiding the 2:00 PM–5:00 PM boat tour peak. Opt for early mornings or evenings to experience tranquil lake views.
Photography & Outfit Tips
Best Photo Spots:
West Side of Yinding Bridge: After 3:00 PM, west-facing sunlight creates striking backlit silhouettes and golden ripples on the lake.
Sugar House Coffee 4th-Floor Terrace: Minimum spend of ¥40. Order a “Drum Tower Latte” and frame your shot with the Drum Tower and Shichahai—any snapshot becomes magazine-worthy.
West Lake Art Museum: Industrial architecture meets waterfront scenery. During exhibitions, capture art installations framed by the lake.
Outfit Recommendations: Hanfu or new Chinese-style attire creates the most photogenic looks. The lotus pond at Houhai, Yinding Bridge, and hutong brick walls serve as natural backdrops.
That concludes my entire itinerary for exploring Shichahai. The myriad charms and earthly vibes of Shichahai blend into the hazy nightscape—truly enchanting!
