Shichahai is a famous scenic area in the northwest part of Beijing, that includes three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty, and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

Its history can be traced to as far back as the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234). During the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it was the terminal point of the Great Canal, which was a main reason for its prosperity. In the period of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when the channels ceased to be as smooth as they used to be, it 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.

To the east of Shaanxi Hutong, lies an alley named Stone stretching from north to south. This alley has lasted for hundreds of years. It got its name because the building stones used to build the city wall in the Ming Dynasty were stored here.

The three alleys called Zongshu Xiejie, Zhujia and Xiaoli are connected with each other. The courtyards distributed in these alleys are very shabby. They were occupied by a group of lower class brothels in the old days.

Transportation
By subway
Take subway line 7, get off at Zhushikou Station, and get out from Exit A, then walk west, or get off at Hufangqiao Station, and get out from Exit A, then walk east.

By bus
1. Take bus Tourism Line 1, 2, Te 7, Te 11, 20, 48, 59, 66, 69, 71, 93, 120, or 622, get off at Dashilar Station.
2. Take bus 5, 48, or 66, get off at Meishijie Nankou.
3. Take bus 23 or 57, get off at Zhushikou West.
4. Take bus 5, 23, 34, 48, or 57, get off at Hufangqiao Lukou East.
5. Take bus 5, 23, 48, or 57, get off at Banzhang Road.
6. Take bus 5, and get off at Wanming Road.

Yanzhi Hutong joins the Baishun Hutong in the north. In the late Qing Dynasty, there were many cosmetics stores on the alley, so it was named Yanzhi, which in Chinese means rouge or blusher.

Parallel with Baishun Hutong to the north is Hanjia Hutong. A famous dramatist in the Qing Dynasty, Li Yu, lived in this alley. There used to be the bases of the Sanqingban (an opera troupe) and the Pear Garden Community. The culture of Chinese opera is very strong in this area.

Shaanxi Hutong (Shaanxi Xiang) is on the east of Baishun Hutong. It is 1,640 feet (500 meters) long. Two-storey black brick buildings are constructed along the alley. In the old time, the buildings were theaters, teahouses or brothels. But now, they serve as residences or hotels.