Beihai

The port was opened to foreign trade by the Chefoo Convention of 1876, and in the succeeding period a considerable traffic was developed by coolies and transport animals between Pei-hai and the Hsi Chiang Valley of Kwangsi Province.

Wang Chiu-fu and his family of four finally arrived at Peihai Municipality in Kwangsi after much hardship. They received a warm reception from the local government and people.

The city of Beihai in the southern province of Guangxi said in a statement online that the four boys — three of them aged 12 and one of them 11 — were searching in a city bay Saturday afternoon when they drowned.

The pure waters of the Northern Lake (Pei-hai) originated in the Jade Spring Mountain and passed through the long Grand Canal and flowed through Shih-ch'a Lake. Then it fed into the Central Lake (Chung-hai) and the Southern Lake (Nan-hai), all the way to the Tung-tzu River.

Beijing is changing fast to get ready for the Olympics -- definitely wander the hutongs before they are demolished. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay run by the nicest of people, try Downtown Backpackers (No. 85, Nanluogu Alley, Dongcheng District). It's in the middle of a nice little hutong area a short walk from the Houhai/Beihai Lakes area.