Jingshan Park, Beijing

To get away from all the crowds of the Forbidden City, we headed to Jingshan Park.

Entry fee to the park is 2RMB per person.

Walked all the way to the top to observe the Forbidden City from this vantage point - you will be in awe at the sheer size of the City from up here.

Whilst at Jingshan Park ... Y not dress up in the Imperial costumes???? We paid 20RMBs for all three of us to look this great!!!

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North of the Forbidden City is Jingshang Park. From the Pavillon of Eternal Peace you have a wonderful view over the Palace. This Park had been an Imperial Garden during Ming and Qing Dynasty. Later people used to store coal there. That is why this park is also called Coal Hill.

One famous incident took place here in 1644, when Emperor Chongzhen killed himself being afraid of some rebells.

This is a very good place to watch people doing their Tai Ji exercise or dance or dooing something else for their health.

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When you come out of the North Gate of Forbidden City, you just have to use the tunnel under the road and you are at the main entrance to Jingshan Park, at the South Gate. Entrance to the park is a whole 2rmb = about .30cAUD.

This park is beautiful, I saw the greenest grass here I have ever seen in my life. The highlight here is climbing the many steps up to the highest Pavillion, which is the Wanchun Pavillion, and from here you will get the most amazing spectactular panoramic views over the whole of Beijing. The day we were here, the skies were very clear and we could see for miles and miles.

The Chinese People just love to relax, chill and exercise in their Parks. Here, we found people dancing to a Jennifer Lopez song, playing foot hockey and just generally relaxing. Chinese Parks are a great place to sit down and just watch the world go by - that is one of my favourite holiday things to do - just people-watch.

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Jingshan consists of five individual peaks, and on the top of each peak there lies an elaborate pavilion. These pavilions were used by officials for gathering and leisure purposes. The main pavilion contains a copper Buddha and this offers the best views over the Forbidden City, the modern city skyscrapers to the east, the drum and bell towers to the north and the White Dagoba in the nearby Beihai Park to the west.

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Jingshan Park (literally "Prospect Hill") is an artificial hill located just to the north of the Forbidden City, across the road from the Gate of Divine Prowess. The 45-metre high hill was made from the earth dug out to form the moat that surrounds the Forbidden City. Jingshan consists of five individual peaks, and on the top of each peak there lies an elaborate pavilion. These pavilions were used by officials for gathering and leisure purposes. As well as these, there are some lovely gardens to walk around plus the views from the top overlooking the Forbidden City are superb.

Admission: RMB5

Jingshan Park, a beautiful royal landscape garden, is situated in the center of Beijing City. Covering an area of 230,000 square meters (about 57 acres), the park stands on the central point of the south-north axis of Beijing City and faces the north gate of the Forbidden City.The mid summit of Jingshan is the highest point in Beijing. Looking from the peak, it is a full view of the Forbidden City, and if the weather is good you could see many other symbol buildings of beijing as well.

Water calligraphy has grown in popularity as a branch of more traditional calligraphy over the last 12 years. This is possibly as a result of its popularity among tourists and also provides an opportunity for the elderly practitioners to exercise and socialise.
Artists dip long-handled brushes in water and produce delicately sculpted writing on pavers. These remain for a short while and then slowly evaporate, leaving a blank canvas for the next thought or expression.
Jingshan Park is an excellent destination to stand enthralled by these septuagenarian artists and their ilk.
Open from 0600 to 1900.

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I actually wanted to rest after that exhausting tour of the Forbidden City. It was a lovely day so I was not surprised to see locals sitting on all of the benches. I kept walking hoping that I could find my own little place for a nap. However, I forgot about my plan when I heard opera singers practising some good piece. Chinese landscape is breathtaking! And then I saw people playing some games and a group of people gathered in a big crowd. There was an entertaining performance even at 3 pm on a hot summer day! I joined the locals for some time and then I headed off to one of the pavilions and did I enjoy the great views!!!

Jingshan Park was known as Wansuishan until 1655. Jingshan means scenic hills. It is about 23 hectares and has a height of 43-meters. It has several thousands of trees such as peonies, pine trees and other ancient trees. It is worth climbing the stairs as it leads to pavilions built in the reign of Qing Emperor Qianlong. They are called Wonderful View Pavilion, Surrounding View Pavilion, Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion (is on the summit and offers the best view) and Harmonious Fragrance Pavilion. What a great place to be in! Birds are singing everywhere, fresh air, happy people having a good time - I love it!

Ticket costs 2 RMB only.