Slipping into a fun time at Houhai

Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular.

Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment  than its seedy Sanlitun cousin.

Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... in the summer!

With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful.

But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy.

Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown.

Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience.

The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend.

Nowadays, the best way to see the Hutong is to take a bicycle or pedicab tour in the Houhai area. These tours are often advertised in hotels and tourist magazines. Some of the best preserved Hutong are around the Houhai area. China.Full story >>

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The Houhai area is the kind of place you can visit anytime: during the day you can enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting, and in the evenings the area transforms into party central – it is a firm fixture on the Beijing nightlife scene.  Full story >>

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Let's taka a  tour of the ancient winding alleyways or hutongs and modern bars of Shichahai, where you can experience both the ancient and the modern face of Beijing. Full story >>