Beijing's Shichahai (什剎海) Lake Tour Series: Pipe Byway (煙袋斜街)

By Kei Lam (thetravelphilosophy.blogspot.hk)

When you go to Shichahai, you may find different kinds of hutongs almost everywhere around the lake. In this article, we will present you two very famous, very old hutongs at the Hau Hai (後海) area - Pipe Byway (煙袋斜街).

Two ladies running into each other and exchanging greetings

Shichahai is not only a tourist spot, but also a community for the local residents. It is a very much "alive" area of the old Beijing.
To preserve the cultural heritage of hutongs, restorations of the exterior walls are carried out at times. Still, the architecture and the surrounding environment reeks of the nostalgic ambiance of old Beijing.
Along the Pipe Byway, you will be stunned by the form of the interconnected hutongs, as well as the texture of some of the dilapidated brick walls. These very ancient alleys are revitalized with modern cafes, little shops, restaurants and bars. This is also true for the famous South Luogu Lane (南鑼鼓巷) nearby - be sure to include it in your itinerary as well!
Here is a collection of my selected photos taken on and near the Pipe Byway.