Houhai, Lake in northern Beijing, China

Houhai is the largest of the three lakes of Shichahai in Xicheng District, central Beijing, connected to Qianhai and Xihai. Its artificial basin was built during the Yuan dynasty, and the surrounding street network dates from the same period. Many buildings along its shores show traditional Beijing architectural features.

Houhai is an artificial lake built during the Yuan dynasty as part of the waters of Dadu, the dynasty's winter capital. The Yuan court gentrified the area and reserved it for the royal family, and the surrounding street network, including the 787 m Nanluogu Lane, also dates from that period. Many buildings in the neighborhood retain traditional Beijing architectural features.

Houhai means "Rear Lake", the largest of the three waters of Shichahai, with Qianhai (Front Lake) and Xihai (Western Lake). Since the early 2000s, residences along the shore have been converted into restaurants, bars and cafes, drawing foreign tourists, expatriates and younger locals. The Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling and Prince Gong Mansion stand in the surrounding hutong neighborhood.

The area is reachable by subway line 6 to Beihai North station, followed by a short walk to the lake. Flat paths around the waterside make it easy to explore, with multiple entry points along the shore.

Houhai is the largest of the three Shichahai lakes, larger than Qianhai to its south and Xihai to its west. The neighborhood holds the Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling and Prince Gong Mansion, two stops visitors often miss while walking the shore.