A Lotus Sea of Exquisite Beauty Within the Second Ring Road

Willow-Lined Embankments, Thousands of Acres of Lotuses, Reeds in Clusters,

Ducks in Flocks, A Chorus of Cicadas,

So, Lao She once described the Xihai Lake of Beijing.

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Xihai, also known as Jishuitan,

Was once the largest terminal for the Grand Canal in the north.

Vessels from the south almost entirely obscured the vast expanse of Jishuitan's waters,

Forming the majestic vista of "vessels whose prows obscured the water."

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Within the park stands a statue of Guo Shoujing, revered as the "Father of the Grand Canal,"

As well as the Huitong Temple Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall.

Echoing and expanding upon the exhibits within the memorial hall,

The Guo Shoujing Road stretches from the North Gate to the Guo Shoujing statue by the lake.

The original Shichahai waterway sluice has been restored for display.

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Location: Shichahai Xihai Wetland Park, North Gate

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Exploration Tips

· The lotus viewing area is primarily concentrated near the North Gate, adjacent to Huitong Temple. A boardwalk extends over the water, allowing for close-up views of the lotuses.

· Capturing photographs from Huitong Temple is highly rewarding. It is recommended to bring a telephoto lens.

· Be mindful of the opening hours if you plan to visit Huitong Temple.

· A stroll along the river's perimeter is pleasant, but the scenery, aside from the lotus viewing area, is somewhat monotonous. A circuit takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes, as the area is not very large.

· The park is semi-open, bordered by hutong residential areas, making it convenient to purchase beverages and explore the hutongs.

· Numerous willows line the riverbanks, while irises and reeds grow in the water, along with flocks of ducks, and adorable ducklings.

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Regarding Dogs

Permitted, but not recommended. The park has numerous entrances, making it possible to bring dogs inside. The path along the river's perimeter is technically outside the park boundaries, so one can simply walk on it when instructed by security, and then descend again. However, there are more security personnel in the lotus viewing area, making it somewhat challenging to bring a dog there. Given that the rest of the park offers little that is exceptional, and that it is not very large, it is advisable to leave your canine companion at home.