Shichahai — Not as Crowded as You’d Think

My favorite moments here are when the spring breeze brushes through the willows and ripples dance across the emerald water — everything about Shichahai feels just right.

I spent the day drifting along the lake, strolling through Yà’er Hutong, admiring the city’s most expensive courtyard house, and tasting the famous Yà’er Lǐji Baked Cake — still only one yuan a piece.

The highlight, though, was listening to a lifelong local from Houhai tell stories of old Beijing. It was far more enlightening than wandering around on my own. Though I’ve explored the hutongs many times before, I’d never truly understood their customs and histories — this time, I left with a wealth of fascinating tales and a deeper appreciation for the city.