Houhai Lake Tours

Houhai Lake which includes heritage elements and a lake or waterhole
Houhai Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
Houhai Lake
Houhai Lake
Photo by Dr Heather Doran
Photo by Dr Heather Doran

Join locals as they enjoy downtime at one of Beijing’s prettiest locales, characterized by its lakes, old houses, vibrant nightlife and outdoor activities. 

The Houhai Lake area is one of Beijing’s most popular places to visit for both locals and visitors. The area is made up of three lakes, Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai, and manages to offer history, charm and fun in equal measures. Spend at least a day and an evening getting to know the area, partaking in outdoor activities and sampling the nightlife scene.

Begin exploring with a hair-raising tour by pedicab through the surrounding narrow streets, or hutongs as they are known locally. Over the past 200 years, everyone from monks to celebrities have built mansions and temples in the small lanes that weave around the lakes. Admire the unique architecture and historical value of old buildings such as Jin Si Tao, Prince Gong's Mansion, the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling and Guang Hua Temple.

Enjoy some outdoor activities Houhai-style. Join elderly locals as they do gentle exercise on the machines along the lake, take to the water in a pedalo or rent a bicycle for a lakeside ride. Be sure to watch out for ambling pedestrians, as Houhai thrums with people day and night, especially places such as the Silver Ingot Bridge.

While Houhai Lake area is at its most popular in the summer months, winter offers different types of outdoor fun. When the lakes freeze over in January and February, people take to the ice in all manner of contraptions. Try ice skating or opt for something quirkier with ice biking, chair sleds or ice bumper cars.

The nightlife in the Houhai Lake area is legendary in Beijing. Some 120 karaoke and dance bars pump out music, their neon lights shimmering on the lake’s surface. Head out after dark to mingle with locals, sample Chinese beers and dance to well-known pop songs.

A plethora of buses stop at Beihai North Gate stop, which provides access to the Houhai Lake area. The area is open to the public year-round. Patrons tend to start filling the bars from 8 p.m. onward.

Plan a trip to see Houhai Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

4 out of 5
Downtown Beijing
per person
Oct 2 - Oct 8
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK)
8.8/10 Excellent! (73 reviews)
The double room was super tiny. 2 little drawers for storage and no place to even put a suitcase. Cramped for 2 or more people.

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Gracie Art Hotel 798

Gracie Art Hotel 798

4 out of 5
Chaoyang
per person
Sep 3 - Sep 9
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK)
8.4/10 Very Good! (143 reviews)
Peking Courtyard Qianmen

Peking Courtyard Qianmen

3 out of 5
Downtown Beijing
per person
Oct 2 - Oct 8
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK)
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Popular places to visit

Bell and Drum Towers

Bell and Drum Towers

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Climb the steep steps to the top of these ancient Beijing landmarks to learn about their history and enjoy panoramic views over the old city below.

Bell and Drum Towers
Inside that building is an old tea house where they teach you about the art or making the perfect cup of tea. I feel bad...I forgot the name of this place. If anyone knows let me know!

Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street

During your visit to Beijing, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art scene in this culturally rich area.

Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street
These great lanterns were near Houhai lake that was near the Bell and Drum Towers. It's hard sometimes to get an exact location. The Hutong areas near the lake are an absolute must.

Houhai Park

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Houhai Park, a lovely green space in Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Houhai Park
Prince Gong Mansion

Prince Gong Mansion

You can browse the exhibits at Prince Gong Mansion, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.

Prince Gong Mansion
You can visit the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower one after the other because they are in the same area. Take a rickshaw ride if you'd prefer but the prices are not cheap.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower Culture Square

Find out about the history of Beijing with a stop at Bell Tower and Drum Tower Culture Square. Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this culturally rich area.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower Culture Square
Beihai Park showing views as well as an individual femail

Shichahai

You can learn about the history of Beijing when you stop by Shichahai. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.

Shichahai

Best Lodging Options Near Houhai Lake

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Beijing Tangfu Nanluoguxiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Boutique Hotel

Beijing Tangfu Nanluoguxiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Boutique Hotel

2.5 out of 5
No. 20 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Beijing Tangfu Nanluoguxiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Boutique Hotel
East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower

East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower

4 out of 5
No. 95, Baochao Hutong, Gulou East St., Dongcheng, Beijing
East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
50 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

5 out of 5
57 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel

Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel

3.5 out of 5
No.3 Sha Jing Hu tong,, Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Jiao Dao Kou,, Beijing, Beijing
Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel
Blossom House Beijing Houhai

Blossom House Beijing Houhai

5 out of 5
No. 9 Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing
Blossom House Beijing Houhai
See all 1,322 properties in Houhai Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Houhai Lake

When visiting Houhai Lake in Beijing, don't miss out on exciting activities like sightseeing and guided tours, which enhance your experience of the scenic area. You can also explore wellness retreats and horticulture expos nearby, ensuring a diverse range of experiences to enjoy during your trip.

Shopping

In Houhai Lake, enjoy shopping at Fangjia Hutong, a charming area just 1 mile away, perfect for unique finds. The Xidan Shopping Center and Intime Lotte Department Store are both 2 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Workers Stadium, immerse yourself in energetic sports events and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Nearby, the Beijing Concert Hall offers a chance to unwind with captivating music performances. The Olympic Sports Center provides an exhilarating environment for sports enthusiasts, making it a great spot for active relaxation.

Adventure

At Houhai Lake, dive into the fun at Happy Magic Water Cube, a thrilling waterpark 3 miles away, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For adrenaline junkies, the Goldenport Park Circuit, located 11 miles away, offers exciting motor racing experiences, while Baijing Bayi Ski Field, 13 miles away, is ideal for skiing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Houhai Lake, the nightlife thrives with venues like the People's Liberation Army Opera House, offering a cultural experience just 0.2 miles away. For a vibrant club scene, head to Yugong Yíshan, 2 miles away, or enjoy family-friendly shows at The Grand Theater Building of Prince Kung's Mansion, 0.4 miles distant.

Find the best attractions near Houhai Lake

Houhai Lake in Beijing offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, with popular attractions including historic temples, scenic streets, and beautiful parks. Visitors can explore Houhai Park and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lake. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts alike, the area provides a unique glimpse into Beijing's rich history and urban charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

  • Forbidden City: Explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a magnificent historic palace that served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors. Its stunning architecture and rich history offer a captivating glimpse into China's royal heritage, all within a short distance from Houhai Lake.
  • The Palace Museum: Located within the same grounds as the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts. This history museum is a treasure trove of Chinese culture and art, making it an essential stop for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
  • Yonghe Temple: Discover the serene atmosphere of Yonghe Temple, a beautifully preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple. Its intricate architecture and vibrant prayer halls provide a peaceful escape, allowing visitors to appreciate the spiritual side of Beijing.

Best time to go to Houhai Lake

Visitor numbers around Houhai Lake is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Houhai Lake is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Houhai Lake

When visiting Houhai Lake in Beijing, take advantage of its free entry and consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel at least three months in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturday stays tend to be cheaper than Wednesdays. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and find eco-friendly options. Combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Houhai Lake are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Houhai Lake is usually 3+ months out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Houhai Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Houhai Lake is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Houhai Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.