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44 Jingshan W. Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Best place to have an overlook on the panoramic view of the Forbidden City
Jingshan Park is located in the north of the Forbidden City on the central axis of Beijing. Here you can have an overlook on the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It was originally an imperial garden in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and now a public park for citizens to have a leisure time. The main buildings include garden doors, Qiwang, avilions, ShouHuangDian (Hall of Imperial Longevity), Xingqing Court, Yongsi Hall and so on.
Two-storey Qiwang Pavilion is situated in the south of the park, at the foot of the hill facing the South Gate. Originally it had a memorial tablet to Confucius. Yongsi Hall is located in the north of and Guandedian were utilized as mouring sites for dead emperos during Qing Dynasty. Nowadays, there are used as a Children’s Palace, music school and library. And portraits of ancestors laid in the ShouHuangDian (Hall of Imperial Longevity).
The park covers an area of 230,000 square meters. The mountain inside is 43 m high with a circumference of 1015 m. the area of lawn inside is 1100 square meters. Although it doesn’t seem so high, it is a perfect spot to have an overlook of the Forbidden City, even many famous attractions in Beijing. To the north, you can get a clear view of the ancient Drum and Bell Towers, a classical feature of Chinese cities. To the west, you can see Beihai Park and its hill-top White Pagoda.
Take a picture of the panoramic view of the Forbidden City
The history of Jingshan can date to the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The 45.7-metre high artificial hillside was built in the Ming Dynasty completely through the dirt excavated in building the moats of the Forbidden and adjacent waterways. It is particularly remarkable when one thinks about that all of these materials were relocated just through manual work and animal strength. Jingshan is composed of 5 separated peaks, and on the top of each hill lays a tailor-made pavilion. All these pavilions were applied by authorities for collecting and amusement functions. These 5 peaks also extract the close to traditional axis of principal Beijing.
Based on the dictates of Feng Shui, it is beneficial to site a house to the south of a nearby hill (and it is additionally useful, getting safety from cold northern winds). The Grand Palaces in the other capitals of earlier dynasties were located to the southern hillside. It is widely recognized as Feng Shui Hill. It is also identified as Coal Hill, a immediate interpretation of its aged well-known Chinese title
It is said that the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Chong Zhen, committed his suicide by hanging himself of a tree inside the park in 1644.
Wanchun Pavilion 万春亭
Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of Jingshan Hill, making it the park's iconic landmark and its highest vantage point. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City, marveling at the grandeur of the royal architecture. To the north, you can see the Drum Tower, and to the south, the pavilion offers a breathtaking view of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, making it an excellent spot for viewing the city's landscape.
Shouhuang Hall 寿皇殿
Shouhuang Hall is another important ancient architectural complex in Jingshan Park, located on the northern slope of Jingshan Hill. It was a key site for the royal ancestral rites during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The architecture of Shouhuang Hall is grand and majestic. It now serves as a model for the adaptive reuse of ancient buildings along the central axis of Beijing, and the Jingshan Shouhuang Hall History and Culture Exhibition is regularly held here.
Peony Garden 牡丹园
Jingshan Park's Peony Garden is a popular destination for flower viewing in the spring. The garden features a vast collection of peony varieties from both China and abroad, with over 20,000 plants, representing nine major color categories and ten flower shapes. Each spring, when the peonies bloom, their fragrance fills the air, attracting numerous visitors. As you stroll through the garden, you can admire the vibrant beauty of various peony varieties and experience the essence of spring.
Wufang Pavilion 五方亭
The Wufang Pavilion complex is located at different points on Jingshan Hill, consisting of Zhoushang Pavilion, Guanmiao Pavilion, Jifang Pavilion, Fulan Pavilion, and Wanchun Pavilion. These five pavilions are designed in various architectural styles, each with its own unique characteristics. You can walk along the mountain paths and explore these pavilions, enjoying the diverse scenery and architectural designs they offer.
Qiwang Tower 绮望楼
Qiwang Tower is located on the southern slope of Jingshan Hill and is an ancient-style building. The tower houses exhibition halls and a viewing platform, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Jingshan Park while enjoying stunning views of the park and its surroundings. From the viewing platform, you can overlook the entire park and the Forbidden City, experiencing the grandeur and vibrancy of Beijing city.
For first-time visitors to Jingshan Park, it is recommended to enter through the South Gate and explore the park along its central axis heading north. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit:
Start by visiting the Qiwang Tower to learn about the historical significance of Jingshan Hill.
Then, climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for a spectacular view of the Forbidden City and the entire city of Beijing.
After descending, you can visit the Shouhuang Hall and Guande Hall, which are perfect examples of royal architecture and culture.
Route: South Gate → Qiwang Tower → Ming Dynasty’s Last Emperor’s Memorial → Wanchun Pavilion → Jifang Pavilion → Fulan Pavilion → Nine-Pillar Archway → Shouhuang Hall → Tang Huai → Guande Hall → East Gate
This route should take about two hours to complete and is a great option for visitors of all ages, including families with young children or seniors.
Jingshan Park is centrally located, and there are several other key attractions nearby that complement your visit:
The Forbidden City: Just a short walk north from Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City is a must-visit for anyone interested in China’s imperial history. It’s one of the most impressive palace complexes in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beihai Park: A 15-minute walk from Jingshan Park, Beihai Park is another beautiful imperial garden featuring a large lake, ancient temples, and scenic pavilions. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a boat ride.
The Temple of Heaven: A bit further south, the Temple of Heaven is a stunning example of Chinese religious architecture and is renowned for its beautiful gardens and historical significance.
Nanluoguxiang: A trendy neighborhood full of boutiques, cafes, and cultural experiences. Located not far from Jingshan, it’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk after visiting the park.
Houhai: Known for its charming lakeside area and vibrant nightlife, Houhai is just a short distance from Jingshan Park and offers boat rides, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
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