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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 October, 2022
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

Protecting the Forbidden City from icy winds and evil spirits, this 45m-high artificial hill is Beijing’s best park and a great vantage point, offering superb views over the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square beyond.

It was once part of Beijing’s imperial city, and is most famous as the site where the last Ming emperor hanged himself as peasant rebels stormed the capital in 1644.

The climb up to the ornate Wanchun Pavilion, the park’s most famous viewpoint, is relatively gentle, and on route you’re sure to pass groups of locals singing, dancing and playing music.

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Jingshan Park is essentially a square with entrances on its east, south and west sides. The south entrance directly faces the Forbidden City’s north (exit) gate, making it easy to combine both attractions – if you’ve got the energy!

The closest subway station is Nanluoguxiang (Line 6 & 8), a 15-minute walk away. Note that it is tricky to catch a taxi from the park gates, so be prepared to walk.

When to do it

Jingshan Park is open all year round, seven days a week.

To avoid the often extreme summer and winter temperatures, visit in spring and autumn. Try to choose a clear day for the best views.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Opposite House

Beijing, China[1 miles]

Modish design hotel combining Kengo Kuma’s architectural invention with contemporary interiors and top dining.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing

Beijing, China[1.9 miles]

Palatial guest rooms and Forbidden City views make this Beijing’s best hotel for a special occasion splurge. Its Wangfujing location puts the city’s central sights within walking distance.

Official star rating:

Peninsula Beijing

Beijing, China[2 miles]

Enjoying a central location and huge, all-suite rooms, the long-established Peninsula is a safe bet for a holiday splurge.

Official star rating:

The Orchid

Beijing, China[2.1 miles]

Easy-going boutique hideaway with an authentic hutong setting. Houhai Lake is a short walk away, and breakfasts feature artisanal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Forbidden City

Beijing, China[0.7 miles]

A magnificent and unique 15th-century complex of imperial palaces that served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Beijing’s must-see attraction.

Best for ages: 13+ | £6

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Beihai Park

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Once the preserve of emperors, the sculpted surrounds of Beihai Park are dotted with fascinating temples, halls and pavilions, and crowned by the magnificent White Dagoba, towering over the central boating lake.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Traditional performing arts in Beijing

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From the mystique of Peking opera to the daredevil feats of acrobats and kung-fu masters, China’s cultural capital is a great place to get acquainted with traditional Chinese performing arts.

Best for ages: 13+ | £40 | 2-3 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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Drum Tower
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Drum Tower

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Rising up imperiously over grey hutong rooftops, the Drum Tower (together with the adjacent Bell Tower) has sounded the rhythm of Beijing for centuries. Climb the steep steps for exhibits on time-keeping in ancient China, and an hourly drumming performance.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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Exterior of the Great Hall of the People building in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, lit up at night
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Looking out over Tiananmen Square, this is China’s most iconic political building and the meeting place for the National People’s Congress. Inside, you can tour its vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling. When it’s not in use, you can go in to see the vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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The National Museum of China on the east side of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest museum in the world
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National Museum of China

Beijing, China[2.2 miles]

The National Museum of China contains a humongous cache of bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist art and jade dating back through the dynasties. The bombastic ‘Road to Rejuvenation’ exhibition traces China’s rise from the 1840-42 Opium War with Britain to the country’s 21st century space programme.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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