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Tourism GuideA field guide to China

Beijing · Attraction

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is a beautiful imperial garden located directly north of the Forbidden City in central Beijing offering the best panoramic view of the ancient palace complex and modern Beijing skyline

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Jingshan Park
Beijing, ChinaField notes · Attraction
BeijingPanoramic ViewImperial GardenHistorical Site

Why go

About Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park also known as Coal Hill Park is a 57acre imperial garden built during the Ming Dynasty 13681644 The parks most distinctive feature is Jingshan Hill an artificial mound created from soil excavated during the construction of the Forbidden Citys moats and canals The hill reaches 457 meters above sea level making it the highest point in central Beijing and providing breathtaking 360degree views of the Forbidden City Beihai Park and the modern cityscape The park served as a private imperial garden for Ming and Qing emperors and features five beautifully decorated pavilions on the hilltop each representing one of the five cardinal directions The central pavilion Wanchun Pavilion offers the most spectacular view of the Forbidden Citys golden roofs arranged in perfect symmetry Jingshan Park is not only a scenic spot but also a place of historical significance as it was here that the last Ming emperor Chongzhen committed suicide in 1644 marking the end of the Ming Dynasty

Make time for

Practical ideas, not a checklist

  1. 01Climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for panoramic views of the Forbidden City
  2. 02Visit the five pavilions each offering different perspectives of Beijing
  3. 03Explore the beautiful peony garden especially stunning in spring
  4. 04Walk through the ancient cypress trees some over 800 years old
  5. 05Enjoy traditional Chinese music performances in the park
  6. 06Photograph the symmetrical layout of the Forbidden City from above
  7. 07Visit the site where Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself
  8. 08Experience the parks vibrant atmosphere during sunrise or sunset
  9. 09Attend seasonal flower exhibitions particularly peonies in AprilMay
  10. 10Join local residents practicing tai chi and other traditional exercises

Good to know

Built
Ming Dynasty 1420
Area
57 acres
Highest Point
45.7 meters
Main Feature
Five Hilltop Pavilions
Best Time to Visit
April to October
UNESCO Status
Part of Imperial Palaces World Heritage Site
Historical Significance
Site of Last Ming Emperors Death
Peony Varieties
Over 200 species

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