Beijing's Hou Hai area

Hou Hai is a natural lake area in Beijing. It is a draw for families who want to take walks and boat rides during the day, and for Beijing's youth set in the evenings. Restos and bars surround the lake--beer is ten bucks a bottle!

(Photo: We met friends, Marlene and Katty, at our hotel, and they took us to Hou Hai for a nice walk and then for one of our best dinners in China! Katty's daughter is 2 weeks younger than my son, Finn, so we are hoping for a long-term friendship!) 

(Photo above: Young prodigy plays his instrument to a large crowd at Hou Hai. Click to hear him play--he's quite amazing.)