Houhai
Neighbourhood · Beijing

Houhai

Photo: chinogypsie · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The area includes Houhai lake and surrounding alleys with traditional courtyard homes. Visitors walk the shores or rent boats. Nearby hutongs hold small shops and eateries.

On day 2 of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 14 Days

Good to know

Tickets
Free entry to the lakeside paths.
Time needed
Two hours to walk around the main lake.
Best time
Evenings for lights along the water.
Getting there
Subway line 8 to Shichahai station, then a five minute walk.

Itineraries with Houhai

Day 2 of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 14 Days

Temples and lakes

How Houhai fits into a day.
  1. 8:30Temple of HeavenBeijing
  2. 12:00Lama TempleBeijing
  3. 15:00Beihai ParkBeijing
  4. 18:00HouhaiBeijing
See all 14 days
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Houhai questions

Is Houhai free to visit?

Entry to the lakeside paths and surrounding alleys is free.

What is there to do at Houhai?

Walk the lake shore, rent a boat or explore the hutongs for food and shops.

How do you get to Houhai from the Forbidden City?

Walk north past Jingshan Park and Beihai Park, or take a short taxi ride. Beihai North station on line 6 is also nearby.

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