Beijing (6) - The Scenic Shichahai Lake

We have couple of times walked around the scenic Shichahai (什刹海) lake area in our Beijing trip. The are a total of three lakes here - Front Lake (Qianhai 前海), Rear Lake (Houhai 后海) and West Lake (Xihai 西海) collectively known as ShiChaHai and are ringed by restaurants and bars.

I love this area because of the ambience of an ancient city and the different looks during day and night time. It is rather relaxing and quiet during day time with not many boats in the lake. At night, the bars and restaurants turn on the colourful lights and the whole area becomes romantic with a little breeze. The pubs and bars at the lakeside are often packed with young people chatting and drinking, but not too crazy. We were here twice at night at a small pub for a drink as well as for the music performance.

Here are some photos captured in the ShiChaHai area during day time as well as at night.

Rather quiet and relaxing

Romantic ambience at night

Youngsters chatting and listening to the music performance

Many people gathered in many circles at the open area for games