Climb to Wanchun Pavilion for a Spectacular View of Beijing's Central Axis

Though Jingshan Park is relatively small, it offers diverse experiences from panoramic views to historical exploration and seasonal scenery. Here's a carefully curated guide to experiencing Jingshan Park: --- ### **1. Must-Visit Classic Spots** - **Panoramic View of the Central Axis** 📍 Wanchun Pavilion (highest point in the park) 🌟 15-minute easy climb to view the Forbidden City to the south, Drum and Bell Towers to the north, Beihai White Pagoda to the west, and CBD skyline to the east. ⏰ Recommended timing: 1 hour after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset (soft lighting, fewer tourists). - **Emperor Chongzhen's Final Site** 📍 "Emperor Sizong's Sacrifice Site" on the eastern hillside 🌟 View the ancient locust tree (original tree transplanted) and read the inscription about the tragic history of 1644. --- ### **2. Hidden Cultural Experiences** - **Explore the Feng Shui Layout of Five Pavilions** Visit Zhoushan, Guanmiao, Wanchun, Jifang, and Fulan Pavilions in sequence, representing the five elements and directions. Buddhist statues originally housed here are now in the Forbidden City. - **Shouhuang Temple Complex** (advance reservation required) 🏯 Qing Dynasty imperial ancestral worship site with yellow glazed tiles comparable to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, featuring rare bronze deer and crane displays. --- ### **3. Seasonal Experiences** - **April-May: Peony Cultural Festival** 🌸 Nearly 200 peony varieties near the east gate, don't miss the Ming Dynasty imperial "Green Dragon in Ink Pool" variety. - **November: Chinese Pistache Fall Foliage** 🍁 Perfect shots of red leaves framing the Forbidden City's golden roofs, less crowded than Xiangshan. - **Winter Snow Scenes** ❄️ Climb up after morning snowfall for stunning views of the Forbidden City's "red walls trimmed with white snow." --- ### **4. Local Insider Routes** - **Morning Exercise Route** (6:00-8:00) Enter east gate → Tai Chi at Shouhuang Temple Square → brisk walk up hiking trail → stretching at Wanchun Pavilion, experience authentic Beijing morning life. - **Family Activities** 🧩 Visit the former "Children's Palace" site to explore the Qing Dynasty Eight Banners school ruins, collect five pavilion stamps (available at gift shop). --- ### **5. Practical Tips** - 🎫 Admission: CNY 2 (Shouhuang Temple free but requires reservation) - 🚇 Access: 15-minute walk from Meishuguan Station (Line 8) or Nanluoguxiang Station (Line 6) - ⚠️ Note: Last entry 19:00, mosquito repellent recommended in summer --- **Advanced Tips**: Bring a "Beijing Central Axis" guidebook to compare with the actual views, or capture magical moments of the Forbidden City corner towers framed with Jingshan at dusk using a telephoto lens. Which experience would you prefer?