Jingshan Park (Jingshan gongyuan)has a dramatic history and offers equally dramatic views over the city and especially of the Imperial Palace. Located at the the highest point of the central axis of Beijing, it's a pretty Royal Garden surrounded by red walls and the red roofs of the Forbidden City.

Jingshan Park, with a history of over 800 years, was first built in the Jin Dynasty (1179 A.D). During the Ming Dynasty (1420 A.D), an artificial hill was created using earth from the newly constructed palace moat. In the east of the park, a tree marks the spot where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen hung himself rather than see the city destroyed by the Manchus. All this, after he had just slain his own family!!

The Park is a pleasant place despite this gory history and is conveniently central. One of the best times to visit is at dusk, when the sun-sets over the red roofs of the Imperial Palace creating a gorgeous warm glow over the city.

Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District