I was once told by a client that Beijing was the most crowded place they had ever visited in China. I was not surprised and actually agreed. Whatever the season, popular spots such as the Forbidden City, the Lhama Temple, Nanluoguxiang and the Drum Tower area are always packed. However, I would also say that most parts of Beijing are actually relaxing and quiet most of the time, especially in the city center within the Second Ring Road.

Last Sunday morning (29 March), after my dental check-up on Xi Huangchenggen Street, I went for a walk with Xihai Lake as my destination.

Here are the pictures I took along the way.

Then I reached Xihai Lake and enjoyed walking along the footpath around it. It was very beautiful and tranquil.

There are a lot of water birds, and there is a café by the lake.

I went up a hill to visit Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall and to have a nice view of the whole lake.

Guo Shouxie planned and transformed Jishuitan, making it the “terminal port” of the Grand Canal in the Yuan Dynasty and a bustling “urban waterfront”. 

In the Yuan Dynasty, Jishuitan was a vast expanse of water that included what are now Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. It served as the northern terminal of the Grand Canal, with a water surface much larger than it is today.

Today, the name “Jishuitan” usually refers specifically to the Xihai area. It is now part of the Shichahai Scenic Area and is also known as the Xihai Wetland Park.

However, in everyday conversation, many local Beijingers and tourists use “Shichahai” specifically to refer to the Qianhai and Houhai areas, which are the most lively parts of the neighborhood all year round.

You can easily leave the lakeside and get to the hutongs, streets or the metro station.

I walked across the street to this restaurant for lunch which was delicious.

The whole walk tour was peaceful and beautiful. It always made me happy and amazed to have such an experience in the huge city of Beijing.

Yours Truly

Angie Guo - Charmission Travel