Shichahai is a famous scenic area in the northwest part of Beijing that includes three lakes – Qianhai (Front Sea), Houhai (Back Sea) and Xihai (West Sea).
Its history goes back to the Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234), and during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) it was the terminal point of the Grand Canal, which was the main reason for its prosperity.
By the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it had changed from a bustling hub to a place of leisure where people could stroll around to admire the vast scenery or enjoy the cool shade under williow trees.
Nowadays, it is a mixture of beautiful vistas and irritating bars and restaurants.
If you look carefully at the mural you can see hidden in the brass plaques a pagoda, a skater, people sitting, a fisherman and a pedicab driver, all of whom are common sights around the lakes.
Yinghai
Wufutang
Huojian Wanyuan
Haihu Tun
Muxi Yuan
Yongdingmenwai
Tian Qiao
Zhushikou
Nanluoguxang
Shichahai
Guloudajie
Andelibeijie
Anhuaqiao
Beitucheng
Olympic Green
Olympic Sport Center
South gate of Forest Park
Lincuiquai