Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park, Beijing’s historic hilltop sanctuary, has overlooked the Forbidden City for 600 years. Built from earth excavated during the Forbidden City’s construction, it became Ming and Qing emperors’ private garden and astronomical observatory. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City, ancient pavilions, and a poignant reminder of China’s imperial twilight.
Historical Overview
The park’s origins date to 1420, when Emperor Yongle piled soil from the Forbidden City’s moat into an artificial hill (“Jingshan,” meaning “Prospect Hill”). In 1644, Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty tragically hanged himself here after Beijing fell to Li Zicheng’s rebels. The Qing Dynasty transformed it into a royal retreat, adding five pavilions and a temple. After 1928, it opened as a public park, preserving its legacy as a vantage point for emperors and commoners alike.
Structural Layout
The park centers on Jingshan Hill, crowned by five Ming-era pavilions:
Wanchun Pavilion (Pavilion of Ten-Thousand Springs): The highest point, offering 360-degree views of Beijing.
Zhouwang Pavilion (Pavilion of Viewing the Kingdom): Dedicated to Confucius.
Jifang Pavilion (Pavilion of Collecting Scents), Guanchang Pavilion (Pavilion of Viewing the Red), and Fulai Pavilion (Pavilion of Good Fortune).
Key structures include the Shouhuang Palace (Qing imperial ancestral temple) and the Guande Hall (martial arts training ground).
Major Attractions
Wanchun Pavilion: Climb 37 steps for unobstructed views of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops.
Shouhuang Palace: A Qing-era ancestral hall with bronze statues of 19 emperors.
Chongzhen’s Suicide Tree: Marked by a stone tablet near the park’s east gate.
Guande Hall: A Ming-style hall with a 400-year-old ginkgo tree and martial arts displays.
Qiwang Pavilion: A Qing-era study pavilion with rotating exhibits on Beijing’s history.
Peony Garden: Over 500 peony varieties bloom in April–May.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1 hour):
East Gate → Peony Garden → Wanchun Pavilion → Shouhuang Palace → Exit via North Gate.
- History Route (1.5 hours):
Add Guande Hall, Chongzhen’s tablet, and Qiwang Pavilion.
- Photography Route (2 hours):
Capture sunrise at Wanchun Pavilion, then explore the pavilions and gardens.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via “Jingshan Park” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at all gates; limited queues.
- Prices:
Peak Season (Apr–Oct): ¥10 (adults), ¥5 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (Nov–Mar): ¥5 (adults), ¥2.50 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Subway: Line 8 to Shichahai Station (Exit A), 5-minute walk to North Gate.
Bus: Routes 5, 58, 111, 124, or Night 2 to Jingshan Park West Stop.
Taxi: Direct to East Gate (closest to Wanchun Pavilion).
Best Time & Tips
Crowds: Avoid weekends; arrive by 7 AM for sunrise photos.
Weather: Spring (Apr–May) for peonies; autumn (Oct) for crisp views.
Essentials: Wear comfy shoes (steep stairs to pavilions); bring a wide-angle lens for panoramas.
Prohibited: Drones, loudspeakers, and feeding wildlife.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
