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Beijing lake offers leisurely step back in time  |
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 The Shicha Lake area to the north of downtown Beijing is proving to be a new hot spot during this year's National Day holiday. This is due to the Shicha Lake Cultural and Tourism Festival, an event to rediscover the attractions in this unique part of the capital.
For many visitors to Beijing, Shicha Lake remains a lesser－known name than such scenic spots as the Palace Museum. But for many locals, this area reveals the most charming part of old Beijing. The 34－hectare waterway is surrounded by a wonderful assortment of traditional Chinese architecture, including villas once owned by ancient princes, neighborhoods of the laymen and old alleyways dotted with tea houses and snack bars.
These and other attractions are highlighted in the 10－day Shicha Lake Culture and Tourism Festival, an event designed to increase the popularity of the area.
Wang Shun, deputy director of Beijing Xicheng Tourism Administration, said, “Shicha lake boasts a lot of wonderful cultural relics from royal palaces to hutong, or lanes. But we have not yet fully tapped into all of its rich culture and history. At this festival we have introduced eight tourism programs related to the area. In particular we have restored the lotus market which used to be a booming and bustling main street during the Qing dynasty."
The restored "lotus market" is named after the delicious dish of lotus roots served in the days gone by. Visitors to the festival were given a taste of the re－created market street which will soon offer a step back in time when the project is fully completed.
But already the area is lined with traditional two－story buildings housing bars, restaurants, and antique stores, mirroring the prosperity once enjoyed 200 years ago.
For many tourists though, a visit to Shicha Lake wouldn't be complete without a cruise on the water. For there is nothing like a chat with old pals on a swaying paddle boat on a serene autumn night.
A Beijing resident said, "A gathering like this with friends is perfect for a holiday. I haven't been here for many years although I am a native of Beijing. It has changed a lot and has become so much more beautiful."
A leisurely voyage around the lake is also proving a popular attraction to overseas visitors －－ offering them an exotic experience.
A German tourist said, "It reminds me of my hometown in Hamburg. It also has a lot of waterways, very similar, but what we are missing is all these Chinese buildings and Chinese people...This has been a great experience."
With candle－lit paper boats glittering on the water and the scenic banks all lit up in the night sky, one would have to agree that Shicha Lake offers a tranquil experience into quintessential Beijing.
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