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Shichahai Hutong
The Shichahai area is the ideal
destination. It is located situated in the
west of old Beijing. It used to be part
of the old Grand Canal of the Yuan Dynasty
600 years ago. And now it is circled by
the former palaces of ministers, temples,
well-kept Siheyuans (quadrangle) as well
as residences of celebrities in the past.
Shichahai area still has the
ambience of an ancient city, despite its
modern setting. Its lake waters ripple and
glitter around the many lotuses floating
on its surface. Willows line the bank like
a misty green curtain, as a trickle of people
cross the 1,000-year-old bridge. The lakeshore
is packed with young people chatting, drinking
and generally relaxing as wood pigeons coo
overhead. The place is well known a night
spot as eastern Beijing's Sanlitun bar street
in the embassy district. The view from Shichahai
bar resembles a watercolor.
"Shichahai" literally
means "ten temple lakes". Shichahai
area oe Shichahai Lake is also the name
of three connectd lakes - Qian Hai Lake,
Houhai Lake and Xihai Lake. It used to be
10 temples around the lakes, hence Shichahai
Lake. The Silver Ingot Bridge ( Yinding
Bridge ), a narrow channel joining Qianhai
Lake and the Houhai Lake, the hub of Shichhai
area with surrounding quiet hutongs.
Lots of pubs or bars are built along the
three lakes.
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