Houhai Lake is a friendly escape for all people from the hustle bustle of big city life, even if for a couple of hours. Houhai seems to be a veritable well-known secret as it can sometimes be hard to find, it is tucked in behind the alley ways and busy streets of the main city. When you finally come across it, Houhai's culture and vibe reveal itself in a way that makes the illusive hunt worthwhile. The lake is surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and lots of culture.Houhai Lake is a great place to enjoy nature, read a book, or just "get lost" in Beijing.[China.org.cn/ Photo by Dong Qingpei]