Beijing offers countless engaging sights for those interested in history, culture and art. Less often mentioned are the many amazing contemporary destinations in the city which beckon to travelers.
When I first went to Beijing several years ago, I spent my birthday at the Great Wall, gleefully read every informational plaque at the Temple of Heaven and rubber-necked nearly every exhibit at the Forbidden City.
I spent afternoons strolling through the countless mazes of historic hutong and tried (mostly in vain) to learn the chronology of the Chinese dynasties during breaks over steaming dumplings and Tsingtaos.
Needless to say, I was filled to the brim with trivia about this extremely historical place, and it was with unexpected delight that I stumbled upon the vibrant and contemporary sights and sounds of the Houhai area’s lakes, bars, restaurants and shops just a few kilometers from the heart of old Beijing.
Houhai is an area that has become increasingly popular in the last decade as the amount of visitors to Beijing has swelled, especially in the wake of the 2008 Olympics.
With gently curving stone walkways surrounding several large lakes and small arching bridges moving pedestrians from one side to the other, Houhai is one of the nicest places in which to “take a walk” that I have ever been.
Eat, drink, shop and stroll
There are flashy, modern restaurants and coffee shops as well as tiny hole-in-the-wall pubs and tea shops. One particular establishment that I spent many nights in was the comfortable and fun Reggae Bar, which, in spite of the name, featured an exceptional band comprised of nylon-stringed Latin guitars and hand drums.
It was the most impressive live music I ever experienced in Asia (besides a Balinese gamelan orchestra).
There is also a wealth of artistic and unique boutiques lining Houhai’s grey cobblestone walkways in which one can find interesting gifts for friends. I purchased some modern art prints there which now hang on my wall as I write.
The ambience of Houhai, whether in the spring as the trees that line the banks of the lakes are in bloom or in the winter when they are frozen over, is abundant with charm. An evening stroll around Houhai complemented with dinner and a few beverages at one of its many memorable cafes is the perfect complement to a day spent ogling Beijing’s countless historical treasures.