Jingshan Park, also known as Coal Hill, is a beautiful imperial garden located directly north of the Forbidden City. With a history spanning over 800 years, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Beijing and explore traditional Chinese landscape architecture.

Jingshan Park

What to See in Jingshan Park

• Panoramic View of the Forbidden City: Climb to the top of the hill for breathtaking views of Beijing's central axis.
• Five Pavilions: Guanmiao, Zhoushang, Wanchun, Fulan, and Jifang Pavilions crown the hilltop.
• Peony Garden: Home to over 200 varieties of peonies, best viewed in spring and autumn.
• Traditional Chinese Architecture: Including the Hall of Imperial Longevity, Yongsi Hall, and Guande Hall.
• Qiwang Tower: A yellow-roofed tower built in 1750 for students to worship Confucius.

General view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

How Jingshan Park Configures

• Total Area: 23 hectares (57 acres)
• Main Feature: An artificial hill called Jingshan or Prospect Hill
• Height: 45.7 meters (89.2 meters above sea level) Consists of five summits
• Pavilions on the hilltop: Five pavilions, with the central one being the Wanchun Pavilion (Ten Thousand Spring Pavilion) ; Other pavilions include Guanmiao, Zhoushang, Fulan, and Jifang
• Gates: Three main gates: South (Jingshan Gate), East (Shanzuoli Gate), West (Shanyouli Gate)
• Other Structures:
  Hall of Imperial Longevity
  Yongsi Hall
  Guande Hall
  Qiwang Tower (built in 1750 for students to worship Confucius)
• Gardens:
  Peony Garden (featuring over 200 varieties of peonies)
• Layout:
  The park is designed as a classical Chinese garden
  It's divided into eastern and western parts by the central axis
• Landscape:
  Features trees, lakes, and traditional Chinese architecture

The park's configuration allows for a panoramic view of Beijing from its highest point, particularly offering a stunning view of the Forbidden City to the south. Its layout and features reflect its history as both an imperial garden and a public park, blending natural beauty with historical and cultural significance.

Tour Information

Address

44 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Ticket Price

Normal times: 2 CNY
During public holidays: 10 CNY
Students: Half price

Opening Hours

Peak season (April to October): 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Off-season (November to March): 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May) for peony blossoms
• Early morning for the best views and to see locals exercising
• Autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds

Recommended Routes

1. South Gate → Emperor Chongzhen's site → Five Pavilions → Peony Garden → East Gate
2. West Gate → Main Path → Five Pavilions → Hall of Imperial Longevity → South Gate
3. East Gate → Shouhuang Hall → Five Pavilions → Qiwang Tower → West Gate

Jingshan Park

How to Get There

• By Bus: Take bus 101, 103, 109, 124, 202, 211, 609, 614, 619, or 685 to Gugong Station.
• By Subway: Take Line 8 to National Art Museum Station, then transfer to bus 109 or 191.

Travel Tips

• Visit early morning for the best photography lighting and to see local activities.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair amount of uphill walking.
• Bring water, especially in summer, as the climb can be strenuous.
• Combine your visit with the nearby Forbidden City for a full day of sightseeing.
• Check the peony blooming schedule if you're interested in seeing the flowers.
• Foreign visitors need to make a reservation at least one day in advance by calling (010) 66055431.
• The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so visit on weekdays if possible.
  
  

  The flowers in Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural experiences. Its strategic location and elevated position make it an essential stop for any visitor wanting to understand Beijing's layout and imperial past. Whether you're interested in photography, history, or simply enjoying a peaceful garden, Jingshan Park has something to offer every traveler.