Slipping into a fun time at Houhai

Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular.

Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... in the summer!

With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful.