Located near the centre of the Chinese capital Beijing, the lovely Jingshan Park covers an extent of no less than 57 acres. It is located on the well-known Jingshan Hill, which was known by somewhat different names in the past. Interestingly the summit of the hillock is the highest location in the whole of Beijing. From the top of the peak the visitor may obtain a comprehensive and unobstructed view of the fabled Forbidden City.
At the time of the Ming, Yuan and Qing Dynasties the locale functioned as an imperial park. The garden was created in its full glory during the Ming Dynasty. It was landscaped to perfection and an array of fruit trees were laid out and numerous pavilions and palaces were created for the emperor to conduct sacrifices and rituals honouring his ancestors. When the royal families stayed at the locale, they engaged in pursuits of pleasure such as hunting amongst the woods in the area.
After entering the park from the front gate, visitors will glimpse the Qiwang Pavilion surrounded by verdant cypress trees. With its gleaming marble balustrades and golden-hued roof the two-storeyed pavilion looks resplendent. In years past this was the site where emperors ritually worshipped the memorial plaque of Confucius.
Jingshan Hill features five peaks, each of which has a pavilion at its summit. Initially each pavilion featured a Buddha figure in copper representing one of the elements of taste – bitter, sour, acrid, sweet and salty. Of the pavilions Wanchun Pavilion stands on the central summit from where visitors can obtain sensational panoramic views of the metropolis. From here visitors will see the imposing and splendid Forbidden City to the south, the White Dagoba Temple and Beihai Park to the west and the Bell and Drum towers to the north.
The park also features attractive natural beauty with a large area planted with flowering varieties. This garden is the largest expanse of peony roses in the city and when the flowers are in bloom presents an enthralling sight.
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