Jingshan Park

Jingshan is a hill of about forty-five metres raised from earth excavated when the Forbidden City's moat was dug in the fifteenth century, placed to shelter the palace from northern winds according to feng shui principles. From the Wanchun Pavilion at its summit, the entire Forbidden City is laid out below in a single frame of golden roofs receding south, the view that appears in most photographs of the palace complex as a whole. The park's other note is grim: the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, hanged himself on this hill in 1644 as rebel forces entered the city, and a tree marks the spot. Locals use the park for morning exercise, singing and dancing.

What you actually see

• The summit view - the Forbidden City's roofs seen whole from Wanchun Pavilion.
• The Chongzhen tree - the marked site of the last Ming emperor's death.
• The morning activity - singing groups, dancers and exercisers in the park.
• The pavilions - five hilltop pavilions along the ridge.

When to go

April to May and September to October for the clearest air; Beijing's pollution can flatten the view badly at any time. Sunset is popular and crowded on the summit. Early morning gives both clear air and local life.

Honest expectations

The summit pavilion is small and crowded, particularly at sunset, with queues for the best viewpoint. Air quality determines whether the view is spectacular or grey. The climb is short but steep.

Nearby

The Forbidden City is directly south; Beihai Park lies west.