Jingshan Park 景山公园

Jingshan Park sits at the very centre of Beijing's north-south axis in Xicheng District, on ground that served as the imperial rear garden through the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. For centuries this was the highest point in the middle of the city. It opened as a public park in 1928, covers 23 hectares, and is today a national AAAA scenic area and a relic site protected at national level.

The park is known for its old trees, its solitary peak and its lofty halls, and for the many varieties of peony grown here. Five pavilions line the ridge, with Wanchun Pavilion on the central peak standing at the highest point of the axis. From there the whole plan of the city opens out: the Forbidden City below, the axis running away south, and the formal symmetry of the palace roofs.

The park also holds a group of historic buildings. Shouhuang Hall, the second largest complex on the axis, recalls the Qing court's rites for ancestors; Guande Hall takes its name from a line in the Analects and was where emperors watched archery; Qiwang Tower stands just inside the south gate.

Don't miss

• Wanchun Pavilion, highest point on the axis, for city panoramas
• The five pavilions strung along the ridge, built in 1750
• Shouhuang Hall, second largest complex on the central axis
• Guande Hall, where emperors once watched archery
• Peony displays and ancient trees among the halls

Visiting tips

Enter by the south gate to pass Qiwang Tower and begin the climb; the park has east, south and west gates. Shouhuang Hall needs advance booking, so arrange it before you go. The hill stands 45.7 metres high.