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Shichahai consists of three continuous lakes, Qianhai, Houhai and Jishuitan. Lying in the central area of old Beijing, and possessing natural beauty, Shichahai was a good place for living and entertainment. It is said that there used to be nine nunneries and one monastery here, thus it got the name 'Shichahai'. In Chinese, 'shi' has the same sound as 'ten', and 'Cha' means temple. Scores of trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques have sprouted along the shores of this old Imperial Lake, north of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. But the coolest new district in the capital isn't just currently hip, it has been for decades.
Shichahai Entertainment Guide

Photo by Zhang Xiaojian