Jingshan Park: A Royal Garden on Beijing's Central Axis & A City Panorama

Jingshan Park, right on Beijing’s grand Central Axis at No. 44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, is one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in this ancient capital. It used to be a vital part of the Imperial Palace, and now it shines like a gem, blending the elegance of a royal garden, the weight of historical relics, and the lively vibe of local life. For overseas visitors eager to dive deep into Beijing’s culture, Jingshan Park is an absolute must-see. It’s a place where you can get a “glimpse of a thousand years” and truly feel the city’s heartbeat.

Table Of Contents

1. A Thousand-Year Scroll: The History of Jingshan
2. Heart of the Axis: Location and Unique Scenery
3. A Tour of the Main Sights
4. The Beauty of Changing Seasons
5. Immersive Cultural Experiences and Local Life
6. Practical Visitor Information
7. Jingshan Park's Deep Heritage and Timeless Charm
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1. A Thousand-Year Scroll: The History of Jingshan

Jingshan’s story goes back nearly a thousand years to the Liao and Jin dynasties. Historical records show that in 1179 (Jin Dynasty), Emperor Shizong built the Tai’ning Palace on the site of a Liao Dynasty imperial lodge. He also had the Xihua Tan (西华潭 – West Flowery Pond, which is today’s Beihai Park) dug out, and the excavated earth was piled up to form the beginnings of Jingshan (Prospect Hill). When the Yuan Dynasty made Beijing its capital, Kublai Khan even had imperial fields here for ceremonial plowing.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Jingshan officially became a key part of the imperial gardens. The Ming Dynasty built structures like the Shouhuang Dian (寿皇殿 – Hall of Imperial Longevity), and the Qing Dynasty added the five Feng Shui pavilions on the hilltop. A well-known historical event is that the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen (崇祯), hanged himself from a scholar tree in Jingshan after Li Zicheng’s rebel forces breached Beijing. The spot, “Ming Sizong Xun Guo Chu” (明思宗殉国处 – Site of Emperor Chongzhen’s Suicide), is still marked in the park, a somber reminder of a dynasty’s fall.

In 1928, Jingshan was opened to the public as a park. After all these years, Jingshan Park was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a National AAAA-level scenic area in 2001, and in 2005, it was recognized as one of Beijing’s “Exquisite Parks.” Its journey vividly shows how Chinese imperial gardens evolved with the times and witnessed nearly a thousand years of Beijing’s transformations.

2. Heart of the Axis: Location and Unique Scenery

Jingshan Park boasts an incredible location. To its south, it faces the Shenwu Men (神武门 – Gate of Divine Prowess) of the Forbidden City, just across the street. To its west is the Beihai Park. The park covers about 23 hectares (57 acres), and Jingshan Hill itself is 42.6 meters (about 140 feet) high, with an elevation of 88.35 meters (about 290 feet), making it the highest point and the geometric center of old Beijing.

The park is lush with ancient trees, many of them pines and cypresses over a hundred years old. Legend has it that some of these were personally planted or named by Emperor Kangxi, like the “Bai Pao Jiang Jun” (白袍将军 – White-Robed General), “Zhe Yin Hou” (遮荫侯 – Marquis of Shade), and the uniquely shaped “Qiu Long Bai” (虬龙柏 – Coiling Dragon Cypress). Each ancient tree carries a piece of history.

3. A Tour of the Main Sights

Wanchun Ting (万春亭 – Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs): The Ultimate Viewpoint Over the Forbidden City
Wanchun Ting stands proudly at the summit of Jingshan, offering an unparalleled view from Beijing’s Central Axis. It’s hailed as the “Number One Spot for Scenery in the Capital.” The name “Wanchun” expresses the wish for the imperial dynasty to last forever. The pavilion is 17.4 meters (about 57 feet) tall, grandly constructed, and one of the highest-ranking imperial pavilions in ancient China.
Climb up to Wanchun Ting, and the view just opens up. To the south, the red walls, golden roofs, and majestic halls of the Forbidden City stretch out before you, a magnificent imperial panorama. To the north, you can see the ancient Bell and Drum Towers. To the west, Beihai’s White Dagoba and shimmering waters are clearly visible. And to the east, you can greet the sunrise. It’s become a must-visit spot for both Chinese and international tourists to get that iconic bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City and feel the grandeur of Beijing’s Central Axis.

Shouhuang Dian (寿皇殿 – Hall of Imperial Longevity) Complex: A Solemn Place for Imperial Ancestor Worship
The Shouhuang Dian complex is a significant group of ancient buildings in the park. It was where Qing emperors and empresses worshipped their ancestors and paid respects, reflecting the traditional Chinese value of filial piety. The buildings are well-preserved, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and unique style of ancient Chinese imperial architecture.

Qiwang Lou (绮望楼 – Beautiful Vista Pavilion) and the Five Directional Pavilions (五方亭 – Wufang Ting)
Qiwang Lou is near the park’s south gate, one of the first main buildings visitors encounter. It’s a good place to get an initial understanding of Jingshan’s history and culture.
Surrounding Wanchun Ting on the ridge are four other uniquely styled glazed-tile pavilions, symmetrically arranged. Together with Wanchun Ting, they are known as the “Wufang Ting” (五方亭 – Five Directional Pavilions). They not only enrich the hilltop’s skyline but also embody the symmetrical aesthetics and superb skills of ancient Chinese architecture.

4. The Beauty of Changing Seasons

Jingshan Park offers distinct and captivating scenery throughout the year:

Spring Peony Feast: From mid-April to early May is peak peony season in Jingshan. The park has nearly twenty thousand peony plants, including rare domestic and international varieties like “Lu Mu Yin Yu” (绿幕隐玉 – Green Curtain Hiding Jade) and “Guan Shi Mo Yu” (冠世墨玉 – World-Crowning Black Jade). The sea of peonies against the backdrop of red walls and ancient buildings looks like a flowing classical painting, drawing countless visitors for flower viewing and photography.

Autumn Chrysanthemums and Golden Leaves: In autumn, the park hosts chrysanthemum exhibitions, with flowers of all colors vying for attention. At the same time, the park’s ginkgo avenue turns a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast with the old buildings and painting a rich autumn scene.

Summer Lotuses and Winter Snow: In summer, the lotus ponds offer a touch of elegance. In winter, the pavilions and halls look even more serene and dignified under a blanket of snow. Jingshan Park offers poetic scenes all year round.

5. Immersive Cultural Experiences and Local Life

A Slice of Beijing Life: From early morning till evening, Jingshan Park buzzes with local life. Residents come here for their morning exercises – practicing Tai Chi, singing revolutionary songs (like the famous “Red Sun Chorus” – 红太阳合唱团), or joining in lively square dancing (广场舞 – Guangchang Wu). Visitors are welcome to join in and experience the leisurely daily life and unique community culture of Beijingers.

Special Cultural Activities: Besides regular flower shows (peonies, lotuses, autumn chrysanthemums), the park occasionally hosts exhibitions on imperial garden culture and offers themed souvenirs like “Jingshan Peony” and “Summit of the Forbidden City” items, allowing visitors to take a piece of this unique cultural memory home.

Costume Experience: Sometimes, the park offers rentals of replica Ming and Qing dynasty court costumes. Visitors can dress up as an “emperor” (皇帝 – Huangdi) or “princess” (格格 – Gege) and take unique photos at Wanchun Ting or against the red walls.

6. Practical Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 06:00 – 21:00 (last entry 20:30)

Off-Season (November 1 – March 31): 06:30 – 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
Ticket Prices:

Regular days: Adults 2 RMB; Students 1 RMB.
During flower exhibitions or other events: Full price 10 RMB; Half price 5 RMB. (Foreign visitors over 60 might get free entry with a passport, but please check the park’s current policy on the day.)
For popular events like the Peony Cultural Festival, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance through official channels like the “Changyou Gongyuan” (畅游公园 – Enjoy Parks) WeChat official account.

Getting There:

Bus: Take bus No. 58 or 103 to “Shenwu Men (Gugong)” (神武门 (故宫) – Gate of Divine Prowess (Forbidden City)) stop. Or take No. 111 or 124 to “Jingshan Gongyuan” (景山公园 – Jingshan Park) stop. For the West Gate, take No. 5 or 58 to “Xi Ban Qiao” (西板桥) stop.
Subway: Take Subway Line 8 to “Zhongguo Meishuguan” (中国美术馆 – National Art Museum of China) station (Exit A), then walk west for about 10-15 minutes to reach the park’s South or East Gate.
Best Time to Visit & Suggested Route:

Time: The best time to climb Wanchun Ting is around sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the views are especially beautiful. Try to avoid smoggy days (more common in winter). Allow about 1-2 hours for your visit.

Route: You can enter from the South Gate, visit Qiwang Lou, then take the western or eastern path up to Wanchun Ting for the panoramic view. Afterwards, you can visit the Shouhuang Dian complex and exit from the East or West Gate. If you’re interested in late Ming Dynasty history, look for the “Site of Emperor Chongzhen’s Suicide.”
Photography and Other Tips:

Photography: Taking photos of the Forbidden City panorama from Wanchun Ting is a must. During the spring peony season, try to frame Wanchun Ting with the peonies (the area near the West District Science Garden is a good spot). A telephoto lens can help capture details of the Forbidden City. Dew-kissed petals in the morning mist also make for lovely shots.
Cultural Combo: A visit to Jingshan Park can be combined with the Forbidden City for a “Royal Axis Day Tour.” The South Gate of Jingshan Park is right across the street from the Forbidden City’s Shenwu Men (North Gate).

Nearby Attractions: After coming down from Jingshan, it’s about a 10-minute walk west to Beihai Park, where you can experience the classic “Let Us Row the Oars” (让我们荡起双桨 – Rang Women Dangqi Shuangjiang) scene.
Avoid Crowds: Weekends and holidays are very crowded. It’s better to visit on a weekday or early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) for a more pleasant experience.

7. Jingshan Park’s Deep Heritage and Timeless Charm

Jingshan Park is not only a key part of Beijing’s Central Axis, embodying the wisdom and aesthetics of ancient Chinese urban planning, but also a vivid expression of imperial garden culture. The ancient trees, historic buildings, and legends all contribute to its unique cultural allure.

With the successful UNESCO World Heritage application for Beijing’s Central Axis, Jingshan Park is leveraging its rich historical and cultural resources to further explore the cultural significance of the Axis. Through various cultural and tourism events, it aims to showcase the unique charm of Chinese imperial gardens to the world.

Whether you’re climbing high for a sweeping view of the Forbidden City’s grandeur and Beijing’s evolution, strolling through the park to enjoy the seasonal beauty and lively local atmosphere, or tracing historical footprints to savor its cultural depth, Jingshan Park offers every visitor an unforgettable Beijing experience. With its affordable tickets, condensed historical essence, and vibrant local culture, it’s an essential stop for overseas tourists to understand Beijing and experience China.

Jingshan Park, on Beijing’s Central Axis, offers stunning Forbidden City views. Explore this historic imperial garden, a gem from the Ming & Qing dynasties.