The Line 6 Beihai Bei (Beihai North) Metro Station Exit B is located just across the street from Beihai Park's north entrance, making it a convenient place to start this weekend's walk around the lakes often referred to as “Houhai.”
Actually, 后海 Hòuhǎi – or “Back Sea” – is the name of just one of the lakes in the chain known to Beijingers as 什刹海 Shíchàhǎi, the “Sea of Ten Temples,” a reference to the many religious sites, palaces, mansions, and other important courtyards which defined the area in the imperial period. During this walk, we’ll stroll along the banks of the lakes and past some of the landmarks which still survive.