Shichahai consists of and dates back to the
Jin Dynasty. From the time of the
Yuan Dynasty it was the northernmost part of the
Grand Canal linking
Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the North of China. Because of this, the Shichahai area used to be the most important commercial district with all kinds of activities going on. It harbors several temples and mansions. Shichahai literally means "the lake of ten temples". Around the lake there are ten famous
Taoist and
Buddhist temples and several formal royal mansions and gardens. The most well known are the
Prince Gong Mansion and the
Prince Chun Mansion. Shichahai is a famous scenic spot in Beijing, and it is near the north-gate of the
Beihai Park. The borders of the lakes are lined by tall trees. In the summer tourists rent boats to paddle on the lakes. In the winter many people come to ice-skate. In 1992, the municipal government of Beijing declared it as a "Historical and Cultural Scenic Area". ==Gallery==