Jingshan Park - Overlook the Panorama of the Forbidden City

Jingshan Park is located on the central axis of Beijing City: to the west of it is Beihai Park while the south side of it is the Gate of Divine Prowess of the Forbidden City. Jingshan was the highest point of old Beijing. It has a history of over 800 years and travelers are excited to see a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park.

Four Things to Do at Jingshan Park

What is there to see in Jingshan Park? Here are four recommendations for you.

Take a Bird's-Eye View of the Forbidden City

Nightview of the Forbidden City

No matter whether it was during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties or today, Jingshan Park is the center of Beijing City. It was also the highest point in old Beijing with an altitude of 92.4 meters. Taking a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City is a must-do activity in Jingshan Park, which should be listed on your Beijing itinerary. If the weather is fine, you can easily see the ornate palaces of the Forbidden City, the Bell and Drum towers, and White Tower of Beihai Park.

Admire the Beautiful Peonies

There are tens of thousands of peonies in Jingshan Park during spring and autumn. The peony garden in Jingshan Park is the largest one in Beijing. More than 200 kinds of peonies bloom every May, which presents a splendid sight and attracts a number of visitors from all parts of China and the rest of the world.

Offer Your Condolences to Emperor Chongzhen

There is a famous cultural attraction in Jingshan Park — the spot where Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself. It is a very sad historic fact that Emperor Chongzhen (the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty) couldn't maintain his country anymore, so he hanged himself when Li Zicheng and his military army invaded Beijing.

Explore Traditional Chinese Architectures

As a typical Chinese-style garden, exploring Chinese architecture is also a worthwhile activity in Jingshan Park.

Three gates: There are three gates at Jingshan Park, including Jingshan Gate (the south gate), Shanzuoli Gate (the east gate), and Shanyouli Gate (the west gate).
One tower: There is a tower with a yellow glazed roof, named Qiwang Tower. It was built in 1750 and was a place for students to worship Confucius.
Five pavilions: There are five pavilions in Jingshan Park, namely Guanmiao Pavilion, Zhoushang Pavilion, Wanchun Pavilion, Fulan Pavilion, and Jifang Pavilion.
Three halls: There are three traditional Chinese-style halls called the Hall of Imperial Longevity, Yongsi Hall, and Guande Hall. The most famous hall is the Hall of Imperial Longevity, which was where was the emperors’ ancestors' tablets were stored.
One barn: Xingqing Pavilion was a barn that was built to enable the emperor to plough and sow in the Yuan Dynasty.

Jingshan Park

Travel Tips for Jingshan Park

Area: 23 hectares Location: 44 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Ticket:

In normal times: 2 yuan
During public holidays: 10 yuan

Opening hours:

Peak seasons (April to October), 6:30am to 9pm
Off-season (November to March), 6:30am to 8pm

Transportation:

Take bus 111, 124, or 210, and get off at Jingshan East Gate Station.
Take bus 101, 103, 109, 124, 202, 211, 609, 614, 619, or 685, and get off at Gugong Station.
Take bus 5 or 609, and get off at Xiban Bridge Station.