Shichahai, Lakes district in Xicheng, Beijing, China

Shichahai is a historic scenic area of three lakes in northern central Beijing: Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai. A low white stone railing with vertical balusters and evenly spaced posts edges the curved shoreline, backed by tall leafy trees and single-storey buildings with grey tiled roofs and red walls or pillars. The water mirrors the railing, trees and buildings.

The lakes formed the northern terminus of the Grand Canal during the Yuan Dynasty, linking Beijing with Hangzhou. Over the centuries, a dense quarter of residential buildings and religious structures grew up around the water.

The name comes from ten Buddhist and Taoist temples that once lined the shores and still shape the area today. The waterside parks draw locals who stroll, play traditional music, or gather in small teahouses.

The area is reached by taking Line 6 of the subway to Beihai North station or by catching buses 5, 60, 107, or 124 to the Drum Tower stop. The lakeside paths are best explored on foot, as many small lanes and alleys branch off from the main shore.

In winter the water freezes over and turns into a large ice surface where locals skate. In summer small boats set off, and restaurants with waterside seating open along the shores.