Surrounded by a crisscrossing network of hutongs (narrow lanes), Shichahai Lake is the place to relax for many Beijingers. Tucked away from the hectic rush of the city, Shichahai offers both quiet spots and lively dining and entertainment options.

The scenic lake setting brought prosperity to many of the bars and cafés along its banks, and among those, by the bustling Yandaixiejie (Tobacco Pipe Oblique Lane), Hai Bar offers an added measure of tranquility and charm. No booming base tunes and hyperactive gyration here.

Before entering that first time, visitors can pause to peruse the etching on Hai Bar's front door, recounting the history of Yandaixiejie. Within the three-story Hai Bar building, decorated with freehand traditional Chinese landscape paintings, the first floor comprises an intimate pub with wooden chairs and tables. Here is a simple, modest, yet elegant setting, far apart from the overblown decor of other more glitzy Shichahai establishments.

This is the city's best-known shopping area. The street is always busy, mostly with pedestrians, but that's part of its charm. Street cafes are bursting with customers and water fountains put on elaborate shows along the wide boulevard. Most places are authentic but pricey, although cheaper goods can be found at the northern end. The city's biggest bookstore, the Wangfujing Bookstore features many English language publications, particularly travel books, while the Oriental Plazais is Wangfujing's most popular mall. At the northern end of the street is the Wangfujing Food Market. Opposite the market is a large mobile phone mall. Shops are open daily from 08:00 to 22:00.

The Silk Street Market (Xiu Shui) reopened for business in its shiny new 5-storey shopping mall in March 2005, replacing its notorious predecessor, the outdoor Xiu Shui market. In so doing, it has become the inner city's one-stop tourist shopping paradise. Its name is now written in English across the entrance as simply "Silk Street".

In addition to selling previously available items such as fashion apparel and silk fabrics, and accessories like hats, handbags, shoes, belts and sportswear, the new Silk Street offers traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, calligraphy, carpets, table cloths, bed coverings, paintings, hand-knit dresses, toys, electronic gadgets, trinkets, and fine jewelry. Reputable outlets like Tongrentang Pharmacy and Quanjude Peking Roast Duck restaurant, and multinational coffee and restaurant chains such as Lavazza, SPR Coffee, Caffe L'affare, Subway, and TCBY have also joined Silk Street's bid to become the "ultimate one-stop tourist destination" in Beijing.

Bargaining is essential here in order to get the best prices. Fake goods might still also be encountered, despite the government's city-wide efforts to stamp them out.