Houhai
Artificial lake and former imperial canal terminus, now a lively lakeside district of bars, hutongs and boat rides.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to Houhai in Beijing traces the lake's two very different pasts: dredged by Kublai Khan's engineers as the Grand Canal's northern terminus, later home to a powerful court favorite named Heshen who built his mansion on its northern shore. It follows Heshen's rise as the aging Qianlong Emperor's closest confidant across two decades, and the fortune he amassed that historians still argue over. Look toward the northern shore for the site of that mansion, now known by a different prince's name.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Shichahai
Historic cluster of three lakes and hutong alleys, once the Grand Canal's northern terminus and a winter skating ground.
Prince Gong Mansion
Sprawling Qing-dynasty courtyard mansion and garden built for a disgraced minister, now a museum of imperial luxury.
Beihai Park
Sprawling imperial garden lake ringed by pavilions, centered on an islet crowned with a white Tibetan dagoba.
Songqingling Former Residence
Qing-era princely garden of winding waterways and rockeries, later home and office of a revolutionary widow.
Summer Palace
Vast imperial garden of a lake and hill, with pavilions, a marble-style boat and covered walkways rebuilt for an empress.
玉渊潭公园
Historic lake and imperial retreat turned spring cherry blossom haven with over three thousand flowering trees.