Shishahai, an area including Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai, is located in the North gate of Beihai Park or Beihai gong yuan in Chinese. The peripheral area surrounding Shishahai has been a bustling business district since the Yuan Dynasty. Thus, it got the reputation as "an ancient harbor in Beijing". Back then, restaurants, performance areas and pavilions (similar to today's bars and KTVs) as well as small businesses and workshops lined the banks of the lakes. Modern night life in a traditional Chinese courtyard makes the street a favorite for foreigners in Beijing. It's also a great place for a little shopping.

The 200-meter-long alley is lit by palace lanterns glowing above the steps of the small shops. The establishments here mainly win the hearts of shoppers for their collection of designed stationery, jewellery, stylish clothing and accessories, which shop owners have gathered in their journeys to such areas as China's southern Yunnan province, Tibet, India and Nepal. Its highly possible that what you pick up here will not be found anywhere else in the world.  

The street and lanes of Shishahai came into being in the Yuan Dynasty, hence many buildings, with a long history, have features typical of traditional Beijing architecture. Over 40 protected cultural sites are located in the area. When you wander along the willow lined lake banks, you may well encounter former residences of the imperial families or historical personages. It goes without saying that the real charm of Shishahai is its abundant historical traits, rich dimensions and air of reserve and the great depths of life and culture of the ancient capital.

Shishahai is also a time-honored popular destination for summer outings and fun. Historical records show that each summer there was a myriad of stalls selling tea, food, utensils and commodities and sites for quyi (folk art) performances which lured throngs of people of all social strata. Today's Houhai is a bar and snack street, where delicacies are offered by century-old restaurants of traditional Beijing flavor like "Kao Rou Ji" and "Bao Du Zhang" by Yinding Bridge, and urbanites flock to the banks of Xihai to enjoy: sashimi, the tea ceremony, meals and to listen to music.

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