Jingshan Park Park

Address: Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan), Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Hours: Daily 6am-9pm

Admission: Small admission fee (usually a few CNY; check locally)

Jingshan Park is an imperial-era public park immediately north of the Forbidden City in central Beijing, centred on an artificial hill created in the early 15th century. The park’s hill is the highest point in central Beijing and was formed using earth excavated during construction of the Forbidden City.

The park’s principal attractions are the park walkways, the line of five peaks each topped by a pavilion, and the panoramic viewpoint from the central peak, which looks directly over the Forbidden City and the north-south axis of the city. Pavilions on the crests date from imperial times and are focal points for visitors.

Historically the mound was created during the Yongle period when the Forbidden City was constructed; it has been part of the imperial garden and later public park landscapes. The site is also known as the place where the last Ming emperor died in 1644, a historically documented event.

Jingshan Park sits immediately north of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing’s central axis, within walking distance of Beihai Park and other central historic sites.

• Origins and height: The hill is an artificial mound created using earth excavated during construction of the Forbidden City in the early 15th century, and it rises to about 45.7 metres above the surrounding terrain.
• Best viewpoints: The central summit is the classic viewpoint for panorama photos of the Forbidden City and central Beijing, especially at sunrise and during cherry blossom season.

What to See#

• Central peak: The central crest provides the highest viewpoint in the park at about 45.7 metres above the surrounding ground and offers direct panoramic views north over the Forbidden City.
• Five peaks and pavilions: A line of five man-made peaks each topped with a pavilion that dates from the imperial era; these pavilions form the park’s principal architectural features.

Jingshan Park sits immediately north of the Forbidden City in central Beijing. It’s an easy walk from Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City north gate (about a 5-15 minute walk depending on your starting point).

By metro take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West (or Line 2 to Qianmen) and walk north across the palace area to the park’s south entrance; multiple bus routes also stop near Tiananmen and the Imperial Palace.

• Go at sunrise or in the last hour before the Forbidden City closes for the iconic elevated view over the palace roofs from the central hilltop pavilion.
• Enter Jingshan Park directly after exiting the Forbidden City's north gate to save time and avoid backtracking; the park has its own ticket and separate entrance.
• Walk the quieter eastern and western paths after taking the summit photos-those pavilions and garden corners are where local life and calmer views are found, and many visitors only stay at the top viewpoint.