Houhai
Houhai ( 后海 )
Hours: Any time of the day
Address: Houhai, Xicheng District ( 后海西城区 )
Manager ReviewAuthor:Soeren Puerschel (Last Modified: 2007-09-03 18:03:17.0)
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. Many of the restaurants and bars feature lakeside settings. In summer the area is guaranteed to overflow with groups of tourists and locals unwinding and enjoying some wind in the Beijing heat.  Hiring a boat, or sometimes swimming in the lake, are popular summer activities.  You don’t have to wander very far to wind up in one of the Hutongs in the surrounding area. The place offers abundant bars and restaurants. Drinks are quite expensive and so is the food. A good choice for the budget traveller is the Kejiacai Restaurant offering food and drinks at a fair price. There are also some nice restaurants to be found inside the Hutongs, which also offer a nice opportunity for strolling around.
An open area at the entrance to the lake becomes a public dancing square in the evenings;  even if you lack the spontaneity to jump in and join in the fun, it is still wonderful to watch couples demonstrate their ballroom dancing skills.
Most taxi drivers will and should know where Houhai is as it is a popular tourist destination.
Enjoy a cold beer during the summer heat!