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- Locals have answered 90 questions about Beijing.
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1. Hou Hai Lake
- A beautiful and romantic lake circled in classy bars and restaurants
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- Lakes and Rivers
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.6 miles
- Nile Expert Tip: Best place to take a date
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2. Hutong and Lakeside Walking Tour
- Scenic walking tour of Hutongs and Hou Hai-- hidden alleys and views emerge!
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- Tours
- Hou Hai/Gu Lou/Nan Lou Gu Xiang
- 0.9 miles
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3. River Romance
- Buying Romance at Hou Hai
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- Tours
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.0 miles
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4. Hutong Tour
- Hutong tour By Rickshaw
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- Tours
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.1 miles
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5. Huoshen Temple
- 1000 Year Old Temple to the Fire God
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- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.3 miles
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6. Di Bai Bicycle Rental
- On a Bicycle Built for Three?
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- Tours
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.2 miles
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7. Bei Hai Gongyuan (Beihai Park)
- Beautiful Park with Historic Buildings
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
- Xi Cheng District
- 0.5 miles
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8. Bell Tower
- Enormous Bell
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- Attractions
- Dong Cheng District
- 0.8 miles
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9. Drum Tower
- Listen for the Time
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- Attractions
- Dong Cheng District
- 0.5 miles
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10. Nanluoguxiang
- Hutong chic, for shopping, cafes and adorable bars
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- Attractions
- Dong Cheng District
- 0.9 miles
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The Best of NileGuide
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Hou Hai Lake is a beautiful and romantic place to visit in West-Central Beijing. You'll find everything you could want in the area, from bars and restaurants to activities and tourist sights. For any complete picture of what Beijing is and was and will become, you'll need to at least enjoy a simple stroll around Hou Hai Lake, and if you have time check out the activities and things to do near Hou Hai Lake as well.
You can rent a boat and take your time soaking in the culture and romance of the lake with the River Romance Boat Rental. For a guided tour to meet new people and learn about the lake and the people who currently occupy it, take the Hutong and Lakeside Walking Tour of Hutong Tour. The homes (hutong community of homes) near the lake are some of the most expensive real-estate in the city and are amazingly beautiful. If you aren't into tours or boating, rent a bicycle and start peddling your way around the lake giving yourself a solo tour of the cultural and historical hot spots.
To the south you'll find Bei Hai Park, which encompasses another impressive lake, several resting and relaxation pagodas and community boat rentals. You can climb the hill to the Monument on the summit or else just enjoy the quit bit of nature.
To the north, the Drum and Bell Towers offer the capstone to Beijing's linear organization of its ancient layout. The city was set up with feng shui in mind, and the drum and bell towers are the northern-most structure in a line of historical buildings, including the Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City, among others. The area around the towers offer rickshaw rides, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Finally, nearby Nanluoguxiang offers the chance to stroll through a hutong community and shop, dine or drink in style. Directly to the east, this beautiful alleyway is a must-see in summer and compliments a stroll around Hou Hai Lake beautifully.
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Nightlife
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- Bars and Clubs near Houhai Bar and Restaurant Area
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