Beijing Visitor Guide

Shichahai, Beijing 什刹海

Shichahai (lit. Lake of the Ten Buddhist Monasteries) is an area of three historic lakes. Qianhai (前海), Xihai (西海) and the largest lake Houhai (后海) are located north-west of the Forbidden City and Beihai Park.


The Prince Gong Mansion (恭亲王府), Zhengjue Temple, the Museum of Mei Langfang (the former residence of Beijing Opera star Mei Lanfang from 1949 to 1961) and the Prince Chun Mansion (醇亲王府) - the father of the last Chinese emperor - are all located in the area.

Grand Canal

Shichahai was formerly the northernmost part of the Grand Canal connecting Beijing to Hangzhou in the south.


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