ShichahaiⅡ

Shichahai dates back to the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234) when the water area of Shichahai was called 'haizi'. It consisted of Xihai, Qianhai and Houhai which were unknown to the public. From the time of the Yuan Dynasty (1279 - 1368) it was the northernmost part of the Grand Canal linking Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the North of China. Because of this the Shichahai area used to be the most important commercial district with all kinds of activities going on. 

With Beihai Lake becoming an imperial backgarden, some 20 temples were built in the area of Shichahai Lake. It was said that these temples were established for the convenience of women to leave the imperial families. 'Cha' refers to a small temple while 'shi' can mean 'tens', hence the name of Shichahai.